(Image: PA Media)
LEEDS Bradford Airport has insisted that proposed changes to its night-time operations will not lead to an increase in noise.
The airport has stressed that the plans focus on updating noise management rather than increasing overall noise exposure.
As reported by The Press, these comments come amid ongoing public debate and concerns from nearby residents about the impact of night flights.
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Vincent Hodder, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "This application is about modernising an outdated system and focusing on what matters most to local communities: noise.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."
The airport is proposing to move from an aircraft movement-based cap to a noise-based system, which it says reflects the approach used at most major UK airports.
This would cap total night-time noise exposure, rather than limiting the number of flights, and encourage airlines to operate quieter, newer aircraft.
The proposals do not call for an increase in the current night noise limit, nor do they remove restrictions on night flights.
Leeds Bradford Airport has also stated that claims of a 75 per cent rise in night flights or an 80 per cent jump in flights between 6am and 7am are not supported by its planning forecasts.
The application includes a noise insulation scheme for eligible properties and states that air quality monitoring around the airport remains within permitted limits.
An air quality report submitted with the application concluded that the changes would have a "negligible impact" on local air quality.
Vincent 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 proposals follow community engagement in 2025, which the airport says reinforced the need to manage noise more effectively.
The window to share thoughts on the Leeds City Council’s Planning Portal has now extended until Thursday 15 October - with the airport encouraging people to "look at the facts contained within its planning application rather than misinformation and speculation that has circulated in recent weeks".