Announced on Monday (27 March), the six-week consultation will seek evidence from communities and businesses about the impact of night operations at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.

The objectives informed by the review will then set the groundwork for the airports’ noise management strategies from October 2025. 

“We have an opportunity to strike a balance to make sure we can support the aviation industry without having a debilitating impact on people’s lives,” said aviation minister Baroness Vere.

“This consultation will help us to shape policy and create a flight path towards a more sustainable approach to night-time aviation noise.”

Noise pollution is one of the main concerns environmentalists and communities have when it comes to expanding operations at airports. 

Heathrow’s plans for a third runway have been stalled for years now due to a strenuous opposition of green groups and communities, while London City airport was forced to cut down on its plans to increase operating hours. 

The government has also reaffirmed the noise policy statement for the wider aviation sector, no matter the time of the flight, while announcing it will update its guidance to allow dispensation to flight night services later this year. 

TTG has approached Heathrow and London City for comment.