LEEDS, England — Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) officials are considering submitting a new proposal to change existing rules on nighttime flights, which have restricted late-hour takeoffs and landings for more than three decades.
The airport has shared early proposals with Leeds City Council, signaling the start of discussions that could eventually replace the current regulations.
New Bid Follows Rejected Appeal
LBA previously appealed a council decision to limit the number of night flights, but that appeal was rejected in July after a public inquiry.
Now, airport bosses say they are exploring updated measures that would reflect modern aviation standards and encourage the use of cleaner, quieter aircraft.
“These restrictions are over 30 years old and are therefore significantly outdated, presenting no incentive for airlines to modernize their aircraft fleets,” said an LBA spokesperson.
The spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the airport had sent a briefing document to the council outlining a potential application to vary or remove certain conditions of its existing agreement.
However, LBA emphasized that the document does not represent finalized proposals and that discussions with the council are ongoing.
Aligning with Civil Aviation Authority Guidelines
The airport said that amending its planning conditions would align operations with guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s independent aviation regulator.
“The final form of such an application has not yet been determined,” the spokesperson added. “LBA will continue to engage with Leeds City Council to structure a set of limits that promotes the deployment of quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft to support the future growth of our local airport.”
Current Restrictions on Night Flights
At present, Leeds Bradford Airport is permitted 2,920 takeoffs and landings between 23:00 and 07:00 during the summer months.
Campaign group GALBA (Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport), which opposes the airport’s expansion, warned that the proposed changes could replace the current cap on night flights with an annual “noise quota count”.
The group also said the official night-time period—when restrictions apply—could be shortened by 90 minutes, to 23:30 to 06:00.
“Having failed several times before, the airport once again wants to change the night flight rules,” said Nick Hodgkinson, GALBA’s chairman. “It’s all about flying more and more planes at night, which means more noise and more pollution.”
GALBA argued that airlines are already investing in newer, more efficient aircraft without changes to the current restrictions.
Council and Inquiry Background
Leeds Bradford Airport previously appealed against a council ruling that restricted certain aircraft from flying after 23:00.
A public inquiry into those appeals dismissed two out of three planning requests earlier this year.
Leeds City Council confirmed receipt of the new briefing document, but said it was inappropriate to comment on potential future planning applications.
“We are aware of the issues which have been raised by GALBA,” a council spokesperson said. “It should be noted that existing planning permits the airport to operate on a 24-hour basis within carefully defined limits.”
