Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Gatwick Airspace Modernisation Review

18 December 2024 · 5 other contributors · 3,926 words

Opened by John Milne Lib Dem Horsham

Responding minister: Mike Kane

TransportClimateEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

John Milne raised concerns about gatwick airspace modernisation review in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the impact of the Gatwick airspace modernisation review on local communities, particularly regarding noise pollution and public health.
  • Residents are worried about a conflict of interest as the airport operator manages the process and shortlists flightpath options that may benefit the operator at the expense of residents.
  • The debate calls for transparency, high levels of scrutiny, and credible alternatives that align with recent CAA reports on equitable distribution.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Minister to reconsider the process to ensure it accounts for public wellbeing and provides credible alternatives that are accepted as legitimate by the public. The review should be transparent, with high levels of scrutiny, and aligned with recent CAA reports on equitable distribution.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

John Milne Lib Dem Horsham

I am concerned about the impact of the Gatwick airspace modernisation review on local communities, particularly in my constituency. The review involves a conflict of interest as the airport operator is also managing the process. Residents are worried about noise pollution and public health impacts from new flight paths. There is suspicion that the three shortlisted options represent one choice that benefits the airport operator at the expense of residents' interests. Transparency issues include no independent member in the design process, a lack of defined methodology for shortlisting flightpath options, and disregard for previous complaints about similar routes.

Other contributors (5)
  • Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex

    Expresses concern about potential expansion at Gatwick, especially the emergency runway coming into commercial use, suggesting that problems will only worsen if approved.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate, highlighting that sound is an extreme importance in airport modernisation reviews and asking if noise should be a top priority to ensure local communities are not negatively impacted.

  • Mike Martin Lib Dem Tunbridge Wells

    In Tunbridge Wells, there is only one noise monitor in Rusthall. The MP questions how the proposal will not shift or worsen aircraft noise problems without more monitors in affected areas.

  • Peter Lamb Lab Crawley

    Raises concerns about infrastructure overload in north Sussex due to existing levels of demand from Gatwick and highlights the need for significant investment if capacity is increased.

  • Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge

    Describes the failure of the Noise Management Board and criticises the lack of protections for communities impacted by airspace expansion, advocating for a proper review of airspace across southern England. The MP appreciates the Minister's approach but highlights that increasing flight frequency from every 20 minutes to every 100 seconds will put significant pressure on communities like Cowden in west Kent. The MP argues for compensation similar to building a motorway next to someone's house.

Government Response

Mike Kane

It is always a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Edward. I congratulate the hon. Member for Horsham on securing this timely and important debate. The UK's airspace is some of the most complex in the world, yet there has been little change since the 1950s. Modernising our airspace can deliver quicker, quieter, and cleaner journeys. New technologies will create direct routes and faster climbs, reducing the need for holding stacks, benefiting customers at Gatwick with more reliable services and opportunities to reduce noise and carbon emissions. The first step in modernising Gatwick's airspace involves following the Civil Aviation Authority's CAP 1616 process, revised earlier this year to be fairer and more transparent. This includes comprehensive engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Gatwick has passed stage 2 of the CAA's CAP 1616 process and will continue to fully consult at stage 3. The Minister understands the sensitive issue of noise and emphasises balancing the impact on communities with economic benefits, highlighting that modernisation can be more flexible. Gatwick is obliged under environmental noise regulations to produce noise action plans for managing aircraft noise between 2024 and 2028. Noise restrictions at Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted will remain until 2028. New technology such as performance-based navigation enhances the accuracy of where aircraft fly, providing better opportunities for respite in noise-sensitive areas. The main objective is environmental sustainability, supporting the aviation industry to decarbonise through measures like the jet zero taskforce. Airspace modernisation can help reach net-zero carbon emissions by reducing delays and allowing more direct routes, thus lowering fuel burn and noise impact. To improve confidence in airspace modernisation, a consultation on proposals for a new UK airspace design service has been launched to create a single guiding mind responsible for holistic airspace change. The Minister encourages full public consultation at stage 3 and engagement with the issue of modernising our airspace.

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