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Business leaders say economy is too weak to reduce night flights
Business leaders say reducing the number of night flights to London airports would be damaging to the economy.
It comes as the London Assembly has called on the Government to end the flights at night altogether.
How many night flights are there in London?
Business leaders say night flights into London's airports must be protected because they are a vital part of the economy.
They were responding to a Department for Transport consultation ending today on current night flying operations at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
The Department for Transport has strict rules regarding night flights into London Airports. Those regulations are due to end next year. Ministers must now decide if it is time for a change.
How many night flights are there in London? Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority suggest:
Night flights: Between 11.30pm - 6.00am
- Heathrow handles 15 flights
- Gatwick handles 31 overnight flights
- Stansted has an average of 22 flights
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Government have taken 'no decisions yet' on night flights
Lobby group the Confederation of British Industry have produced a report claiming controversial London night flights must be protected.
The Government is currently carrying out a consultation into the impact of night flights.
A spokesperson for the DfT said no decision has yet been reached:
"We welcome the response to this consultation from CBI. The Government recognises that noise disturbance from aircraft flying at night is the least acceptable impact of airport operations on local residents.
"At this stage we are gathering evidence on what might be feasible and have taken no decisions yet on our preferences.
"We will be consulting on specific proposals later this year once we have assessed the evidence received from this consultation."
'London Night flights must be protected' says report
A report claims that night flights into London's airports must be protected to safeguard a vital part of the UK economy.
The document produced by lobby group the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said overnight flights played a "unique role" ensuring timely movements of freight goods and enabling business travellers to arrive at destinations for a full day's work.
A Department for Transport consultation (DfT), which is closing today, is reviewing opinion on night flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports.
Campaigners opposed to night flights say air traffic noise disturbs the sleep of those living under flight paths.
The current agreement with airlines runs out in October 2014.
Council: Heathrow noise disrupts lessons
An infant school has been the setting today for the latest stage of the campaign against the possible expansion of Heathrow.
Hounslow Council chose it, claiming that lessons there are frequently disrupted because the school lies directly under the flight path.
Martin Stew reports.
Consultation on impact of Heathrow expansion
Hounslow Council has launched its consultation on aircraft noise from Heathrow.
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Heathrow expansion debate
Consultation is about to begin between Hounslow Council and residents and businesses that will be impacted by planned expansion at Heathrow Airport. Hounslow is the borogh most affected by noise from the airport as it lays directly under both main approach paths.
Calls for an end to Heathrow night flights
The London Assembly is calling for an end to Heathrow night flights to stop the noise disturbing the sleep of thousands of people.
The Health and Environment Committee believe they should be reduced to 'an absolute minimum' at the very least.
If a reduction is not possible they are calling for planes to land from the West, rather than the east. Which would reduce noise disturbance for around 110,000 people.
Mayor asked for Heathrow Express fare help
The Evening Standard is reporting that Boris Johnson has been urged to back a campaign to cut Heathrow Express ticket prices.
Hounslow Council has reportedly asked him to try and persuade Heathrow to adopt Transport for London's fare structure.
A single currently costs £20 from Paddington.
Airport bosses to give evidence on airport capacity
Bosses from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports will be at City Hall today to give their views on airport capacity in London.
The London Assembly is planning to publish a report on the future of aviation in the capital in May.
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