A third runway and expanded cargo infrastructure at London’s Heathrow Airport was recommended by the U.K.’s Airports Commission in July, but one of the concerns surrounding a third runway was noise, with it even being suggested that night flights be banned. Now, an analysis by the Civil Aviation Authority, commissioned by Heathrow as part of its ongoing noise action plan commitments, shows that the average noise contours annually are smaller than they have been since 2006.
The report said that over the past nine years, the area around the airport affected by higher levels of night noise has decreased by 25 percent. Using new planes and quieter procedures between 2006 and 2014 have reduced the noise footprint. Additionally, steeper approaches are in a trial period – something Frankfurt has shown can reduce noise for people who live under flight paths.
The U.K.’s Airport Commission has stated that a third runway at LHR is critical to British trade and manufacturing, particularly in the high-tech and pharmaceutical sectors. London Gatwick Airport wanted a third runway, but it was rejected in favor of the third runway to the northwest of LHR, which was supported by most of the hub’s freight community.
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