The problem of noise-pollution due to night landing at London City Airport is bound to get complicated with the London City Airport lodging an appeal against the council’s decision to prevent the airport from extending its operating hours on Saturdays.
Newham Council voted unanimously against the proposals on the grounds of increased carbon emissions and disruption to local residents, prompting the airport to launch its appeal.
As of now, flights are not allowed to land or take off from13:00 on Saturdays to 11:00 on Sundays. This helps the local residents to take a break from aircraft noise.
In response to Newham Council’s decision, the airport’s chief executive, Robert Sinclair, said: “We are disappointed with Newham Council’s refusal of our proposals that will deliver significant benefits to our local community, including new jobs, more choice of holiday destinations for passengers, and better local transport connections. If the appeal can be determined shortly, our airlines will be able to progress re-fleeting to cleaner, quieter, new-generation aircraft sooner; delivering more choice for passengers, more jobs for local people, and reducing the overall noise impact as early as next summer”.
Explaining the benefits of added flying hours, the airport further added: “The proposals would create 4,500 additional jobs across London; contribute an additional £702 million ($917 million) in gross value added to London’s economy, and enhance connectivity and passenger choice by enabling airlines to serve new routes.”
As per the latest sustainability report published by the London City Airport, the airport plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Last year, London City Airport also became one of only two UK airports to reach Level 4+ in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
