Context
The question concerns the number of people affected by aircraft noise near and under Heathrow airport, focusing on westerly operations involving a final approach over south London.
Question
What plans does the Government have to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise living (a) near and (b) under Heathrow airport flight paths? Further, given that 70% of the flights arriving at Heathrow use westerly operations over south London, will the modernisation Bill include provisions aimed at reducing the concentration of flight paths and mandating measures to reduce arrival noise?
Answer from Kelly Tolhurst
The Government's airspace modernisation programme should allow aircraft to climb more quickly and descend continuously, which will have a noticeable noise reduction benefit for communities overflown by Heathrow flights. Airspace modernisation is intended to reduce the amount of noise per flight for those living under concentrated flight paths. However, there is a risk that they may experience more noise than currently. Whether this is the case will depend on the final routes proposed by airports, including any respite routes, and on the outcomes of consultation with local people.
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