(Image: LBA)
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Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has defended its proposed changes to night-time operating arrangements, insisting the plans are designed to modernise how aircraft noise is managed rather than increase noise impacts on surrounding communities.
The airport has renewed its call for residents and stakeholders to examine the details of its planning application after Leeds City Council extended the deadline for comments on the proposals until October 15.
LBA says the application would replace the current system, which primarily controls night-time activity through limits on aircraft movements, with a noise-based approach already used at many of the UK's major airports.
Under the proposals, a fixed night-time noise quota would remain in place, with airport bosses stressing that overall overnight noise exposure would not increase beyond current levels.
The airport argues that linking operational flexibility to aircraft noise performance would encourage airlines to use quieter, newer-generation aircraft, helping address the issue local residents care most about.
Responding to criticism of the application, LBA said a number of claims circulating in recent weeks are not supported by the planning documents.
The airport said the proposal would not increase the overall night noise limit, would not allow unlimited growth or unrestricted night flights, and would continue to be constrained by the existing capacity of the terminal, runway and airport infrastructure.
It also maintained that it is not seeking to remove restrictions on night flights but instead replace the current aircraft movement cap with what it describes as a stricter noise-based cap.
Leeds Bradford Airport (Image: submitted)
Airport officials further rejected claims that the application could lead to a 75 per cent increase in night flying or an 80 per cent increase in flights between 6am and 7am, saying such forecasts do not form part of the submitted plans.
LBA noted that similar noise quota systems are already in operation at airports including Manchester and several London airports.
Chief executive Vincent Hodder said: "This application is about modernising an outdated system and focusing on what matters most to local communities: noise.
"Too much of the debate has been driven by speculation and exaggerated claims that simply do not reflect the real facts. We would encourage people to look at the information contained within our planning application rather than hearsay.
"Our proposal retains a cap on night operations, but crucially it rewards quieter aircraft and supports airlines in bringing newer, cleaner and quieter planes to Leeds Bradford Airport. The overall night noise limit remains unchanged.
"We believe this is a common-sense approach that strikes a balance between supporting regional connectivity and economic growth while continuing to protect local communities from noise impacts."
As part of the application, the airport is also proposing a night-noise insulation scheme for eligible properties, with further details included in the planning submission.
LBA said air quality monitoring carried out around the airport has consistently remained within permitted limits. Its Air Quality Implications Report concluded that changes associated with the proposal would have a negligible impact on local air quality.
The airport said the application follows community engagement conducted during 2025, which helped shape the proposals and highlighted the importance of managing noise more effectively.
Mr Hodder added: "The aviation industry is changing rapidly. Aircraft are becoming quieter, cleaner and more efficient, yet the framework governing night operations at Leeds Bradford Airport is stuck in the 1990s.
"This proposal is about ensuring regulation reflects modern aircraft technology and incentivises the use of the quietest aircraft available. It is a practical step forward that supports our long-term commitment to sustainability, modernisation and being a good neighbour to the communities around the airport."
The planning application remains open for public comment via Leeds City Council's planning portal until October 15.