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Fresh Concerns Raised Over Proposed Night Flight Rules at Leeds Bradford Airport

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 08:25

Campaigners and local councillors have raised concerns over proposed changes to night-time flying restrictions at Leeds Bradford Airport, while the airport says its plans would maintain existing noise limits.

Fresh concerns have been raised over proposals to change the rules governing night-time flights at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The airport is seeking to update its existing planning conditions by introducing a quota count system, which would place a cap on aircraft noise rather than limiting the number of flights.

Under the proposals, night-time hours would also be changed to run from 11.30pm until 5.59am, while a noise insulation scheme would be introduced for nearby residents.

Leeds Bradford Airport says the quota system would encourage airlines to operate quieter and more efficient aircraft and insists the proposals would match the airport's existing noise footprint.

Airport chief executive Vincent Hodder rejected suggestions that the plans were about allowing thousands more night flights, saying the proposal would retain the same noise limits but allocate them differently.

However, the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport, known as GALBA, has raised concerns that the changes could allow a substantial increase in the number of flights operating at night.

Its chair, Nick Hodgkinson, said the group was not calling for the airport to close but opposed what it described as another large increase in night flights. He also raised concerns about the potential health impact of more frequent overnight aircraft noise.

Horsforth Town Council has also expressed concerns while acknowledging the airport's economic importance.

Its planning, licensing and transport committee has recommended a response to Leeds City Council calling for improved noise insulation for residents, better infrastructure to accommodate increased passenger numbers and greater use of sustainable aviation fuel.

The proposals will ultimately be considered through the planning process.

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