Airports
UK Considers New Night Noise Limits for London Airports
The changes, running through October 2028, would mainly impact Stansted Airport
London Stansted Airport
London Stansted Airport could see temporary changes to its night noise policy under new UK government proposals. © London Stansted Airport/Fitch Media

The UK’s Department for Transportation (DfT) has launched a consultation over possible changes to nighttime aircraft noise limits at London Stansted, Heathrow, and Gatwick airports. The proposals would most immediately impact Stansted Airport where there could be a new cap on the so-called quota count (QC) limit for noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

This so-called "bridging regime" would be in force at Stansted between October 2025 and October 2028 while the government completes its aviation night noise effects (ANNE) study that could result in wider changes in policy at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The consultation closes on May 22, 2024.