CAA Report: 28% of people in Europe affected by aircraft noise live under the Heathrow flight paths

A major new report (1) published yesterday by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reveals that 28% of the people in Europe affected by aircraft noise live under the Heathrow flight paths. A total of over 700,000 people are affected by Heathrow aircraft.

The report calls for measures, such as steeper descents by aircraft, to mitigate the impact of noise on residents. It also urges airport owners to “engage constructively” with residents.

The CAA has sent its report to the Department for Transport which will be publishing its draft aviation policy for consultation in spring 2012. The CAA is urging the Government to make clear its preference for concentrated or dispersed flight paths.

HACAN Chair John Stewart said, “The report is further evidence of the extent of the aircraft noise problem in London. We live under a sky of sound unmatched anywhere else in Europe.”

Stewart added, “Over the last year we have been working more closely with BAA than ever before to look at ways of mitigating the noise. It is essential that we find ways to give all areas some relief from this level of constant noise.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

(1) For the full report follow the link below to CAA Insight Note 2 Aviation Policy For The Environment.pdf

For more information:

John Stewart on 07957385650 or 0207 737 6641

This document is made available as a PDF file on an external site.
Download CAA Report: 28% of people in Europe affected by aircraft noise live under the Heathrow flight paths