Leeds Bradford Airport says its night operations application would replace a movement cap with a noise quota, while support submissions are extended to 15 October.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) reiterated on 30 September that its proposed changes to night-time operating arrangements are intended to modernise how aircraft noise is managed, rather than increase noise impacts on local communities.
The period for submitting messages of support on Leeds City Council’s Planning Portal has been extended until Thursday 15 October. The airport is urging residents and stakeholders to review its planning application rather than rely on what it described as misinformation and speculation that has circulated in recent weeks.
The proposals would replace a system that controls night activity primarily through aircraft movement numbers with a noise-based approach, which the airport said is already used at most other major UK airports, including those in London and Manchester. A fixed noise quota would continue to apply, ensuring overall night-time noise exposure does not increase beyond current levels.
Noise quota and night flying limits
The airport said several claims made about the application are not supported by the planning documents. It stressed that the proposal does not increase the overall night noise limit and does not permit unlimited growth or unlimited night flights, as terminal, runway and infrastructure capacity would continue to limit operations. Any major infrastructure expansion would require a separate planning application.
Leeds Bradford said it is not seeking to remove restrictions on night flying, and instead proposes replacing an aircraft movement cap with a stricter noise-based cap. It added that claims of a 75 per cent increase in night flying, or an 80 per cent increase in flights between 6am and 7am, do not reflect any forecasts submitted in the application.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “Our proposal retains a cap on night operations, but crucially it rewards quieter aircraft and supports airlines in bringing newer, cleaner and quieter planes to Leeds Bradford Airport. The overall night noise limit remains unchanged.”
The application includes a proposed night noise insulation scheme for eligible properties. The airport said air quality monitoring around the site has consistently remained within permitted limits, and that its Air Quality Implications Report found the changes would have a negligible impact on local air quality.
LBA said the application follows community engagement undertaken in 2025, which shaped the proposals.
Hodder added: “This proposal is about ensuring regulation reflects modern aircraft technology and incentivises the use of the quietest aircraft available. It is a practical step forward that supports our long-term commitment to sustainability, modernisation and being a good neighbour to the communities around the airport.”
No comments yet