ABTA pushes sustainable angle in night flights debate
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ABTA has encouraged the Government to consider the environmental impact of night flights from London against the economic benefits as part of its consultation response.
The association outlined how airlines should work with local communities and invest in quieter aircraft and that local residents should be involved in the debate around night flights.
“Night flights can be an emotive subject because noise in particular can be particularly disruptive for local communities. A great deal of progress has been made in reducing noise which is especially important at night or early in the morning, and we encourage airports, airlines, the Government and local communities to continue to make further improvements,” said Luke Pollard, head of public affairs at ABTA.
The Government is currently looking into the regulations around night flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted but restrictions could mean higher air fares or more delayed or cancelled flights.
“ABTA believes a balance needs to be struck between the large economic contribution of these flights and the impacts they have on local communities. The aviation industry should also continue to take steps to manage their environmental impacts to ensure that solutions can be found that work for the industry and local communities alike,” added Pollard.