More than a quarter of a million people could be taken out of Heathrow’s ‘noise footprint’ by 2040 if a third runway is built, according to analysis published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The report claims that by using the Mayor of London’s preferred measure for noise, at least 199,550 and potentially as many as 325,950 fewer people will be affected by aircraft noise, if Heathrow is selected for expansion next year.
Heathrow claims the noise reductions will be delivered by a combination of new runway location, steeper landing approaches and new aircraft technology.
However, the data also showed that by using the government’s preferred measure for noise, around 35,000 fewer people will be affected by aircraft noise after the completion of a third runway.
Mayor of London’s preferred measure is the EU’s 55 decibel ‘Lden’ measure and government uses the 57 decibel ‘Lden’ measure.
In its submission to the Airports Commission, Heathrow said it’s not proposing any extra night flights and the plans could reduce the number of night flights on existing flight paths.
Residents under existing flight paths could have night flights only every third week rather than every other week today, Heathrow claims.
Heathrow’s sustainability director Matt Gorman, said the report shows Heathrow can reduce aircraft noise, while still delivering the long-haul flights that Britain needs to “prosper in a global economy”.
“As we have seen recently with the significant opposition to the changes to flight paths at Gatwick, any decision on the location of new flight paths will be difficult,” said Gorman.
“While some people could experience more noise, others who are under existing flight paths in places like Richmond could experience less noise than today.
“The flight paths that we are publishing are indicative only and will be the subject of extensive debate and consultation if Government approves a third runway.”
Read a full analysis of Davies commission's interim report for UK airports