Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Night Flights: Impact on Communities

08 November 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park

Community SecurityEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Olney raised concerns about night flights: impact on communities in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the impact of night flights at Heathrow airport on residents in west and south-west London due to noise disruption.
  • Government conducting a study on the costs and benefits of night flying, including an observational study on the association between aircraft noise exposure and sleep quality.
  • No specific commitments made by the government regarding a ban on scheduled night flights at Heathrow.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for granting me the opportunity to have this debate on night flights at Heathrow airport. This issue has significant impact on residents in west and south-west London who suffer from noise disruption due to an increased number of flights landing through the night during delays and chaos at Heathrow. Night flights are avoidable and not essential for airport operations, hence my primary call is for a ban on scheduled flights at Heathrow between 11 pm and 6 am or else the Government must commission a full independent analysis of the impact of night flights on local communities' health, environment, and the UK economy.

Other contributors (1)
  • Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

    Congratulates Sarah Olney for securing this debate and acknowledges the positive impact of night flights on the UK's economy and connectivity with the world, but also recognises the negative impacts on local communities' health.

Government Response

Richard Holden

The Government acknowledges the harmful effects of night flights on physical and mental health. While the aviation sector has material value to the UK economy, the government is conducting a study on the costs and benefits of night flying, including an observational study of individuals recruited from the survey to assess the association between aircraft noise exposure and objective sleep quality. This evidence will inform future policies for managing and mitigating health impacts on local communities. The Government continues to strive for balance between negative aviation impacts and positive economic benefits brought by night flights.

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