Proposed Changes to Night Flying Policy FAQs

Back in September a planning application was submitted to Solihull Council which applied for a change to the night flying policy that better reflect how the airport is used today. This was done in response to the existing methodology using outdated numbers and if changes were not approved, would restrict forecasted growth and styme economic impacts of the airport.

We are pleased that the proposed changes have been approved which will ensure a strict policy on night flying remains in place, but that the policy can support BHX in the future and the subsequent benefits for the region.

A: Ever since a Night Flying Policy was introduced in 2009 (required as part of the airport’s Section 106 agreement) reviews have been carried out every three years to assess the accuracy and appropriateness of the methodology. The existing agreement was always due to expire in Q4 2024 and therefore a review of the policy was always going to happen in 2024. 

A: Based on 2007 Masterplan projections on air traffic movements (ATMs), the existing policy allowed us to use five percent of that traffic during night-time hours (2330 – 0600). Based on those projections and under the current policy, that equates to 7,950 flights in the night-time period by 2026/7. 

A: Having assessed the technical evidence submitted as part of the revised Night Flying Policy proposals, Solihull Council have agreed to an increase in the allowance of permitted night-time flights. Although numbers will increase from what is experienced today, they are still well within the limit within the existing framework and will be around 7,600 by 2026/27. 

A: The increase amounts to around 7,600 flights per year (an average of 21 per night) by 2026/27. The vast majority of these would be used between 0500 – 0600 and 2330 – 0100, enabling based aircraft to return a little early or later, rather than operating in the middle of the night. 

A: The total number of ATMs (air traffic movements) has dramatically decreased as we have made tremendous progress with airline efficiencies and filling aircraft. Technological aircraft improvements and a runway extension has also meant that the size of aircraft has also increased, alongside a change to what the flying schedules look like in order for carriers to realise route viability and profitability. 

Coupled with larger aircraft, those planes are also fuller. This has meant that the number of movements has dramatically fallen and, this year the airport expects to carry 40% more passengers than 2007, but using 14% less movements. 

As a result of these improvements, the overall number of movements is much smaller than originally expected. This means that a change to the Night Flying Policy is required that will re-align the percentage with lower overall aircraft movements, but still enabling future growth and providing suitable respite to local communities during the night period. 

A: When the current policy was agreed in 2009, the types of aircraft in operation meant that in order to carry 15.6m passengers, (current forecasted passenger numbers for 2027), we would have needed 159,000 ATMs. Of those 7,950 (or 5%) could operate in the night period. 

Thanks to modern aircraft and more efficient schedules we will reduce our ATMs by over 30%, to 109,000. However, for us to realise growth potential we need to increase the percentage able to use the night flying period which will see that figure increase from 5,500 to 7,600 by 2026/27. 

A: Current growth plans already factor in an increase in movements during daytime periods. However, we will always remain a home for low-cost carriers that need to operate each aircraft as much as possible, sometimes carrying out up to three daily rotations. To have this capability it means that sometimes they will need to conduct earlier starts and complete later finishes. This is nothing new and the capacity to allow this has been in place since 2009.

A: In recent years there has been significant technological advances made in airplane manufacturing meaning that they are much more fuel efficient and quieter. Next generation aircraft using Birmingham Airport has meant that, since 2009, average noise levels and the number of people most affected by noise has reduced by 12%.

A: As part of the consultation and process in agreeing these changes, independent noise studies and reports were submitted for consideration. Both noise and air quality impacts arising from the proposed changes were assessed by independent experts and the results indicated there was no overall increase in average night noise, against actual night movements in 2023. The results also indicated the impact on air quality will not be significant, due to cleaner and quieter planes operating out of our airport. 

A: We have tightened our existing noise restrictions on aircraft taking off, reducing the acceptable noise limit from 83dBA to 81dBA. We will look to go further over the next three years, introducing additional noise charges to further incentivise our airlines to use the quietest, cleanest and most fuel-efficient aircraft. 

Each aircraft is also assigned a noise quota count based on the noise level of the airframe and its engines. For night-time movements, we have reduced the total annual quota count from 4,000 to 2,800.  In addition, any aircraft which exceeds the noise threshold as measured at the Airport’s own noise monitors is subject to a financial surcharge.  We are also continuing to enforce a ban on the scheduling of any aircraft type with a quota count over 1 from operating in the night period. This restriction is the strictest in force at any UK airport.

Those living closest to the airport can also gain access to noise insulation schemes provided by the airport. We have increased the maximum level of this support from £3,000 to £5,000 for eligible households that want to take advantage of window/noise cancelling glazing. This approach exceeds Government guidelines on required compensation available for communities living closest to UK airports.

A: Even with the agreed increase in night flight movements, BHX remains amongst one of the most restricted in the country with regards to night flying numbers. In comparison to other airports, Manchester and Gatwick have thresholds in excess of 14,000. Luton airport (which has similar passenger numbers to what we are forecast to achieve in the next three-year period) has an allowance of 9,650 night-time flights. 

A: This is not true. The airport constructively and transparently engaged with the Noise Sub-Group of the Airport Consultative Committee, Ward Councillors, and the Airport Consultative Committee over the course of several months. In addition to these stakeholders, we also engaged planning and environmental health departments. Once the proposed changes were submitted to the Council, they were subjected to a public consultation period where members of the public were asked to express comments and opinions directly to the Council.

All changes were discussed and considered at length, prior to being approved by Solihull Council after thorough consideration.

Given the average noise footprint of the airport has consistently declined over the last decade, despite us flying record number of passengers, it is unlikely that people will notice a difference. However, it is right that the airport is transparent around when most of the allowance will be used which is during peak times at the airport. These include Easter, half term and summer breaks typically falling between May – October.

As our carriers fly more during this period and under great scheduling pressure due to demand, it is expected that most night flights will take place during these peak demand months.  

A: Birmingham Airport is a regional hub that facilitates and enables significant investment into the West Midlands region. It is also a significant employer with sustainable growth plans over the course of the next decade. By 2027 we forecast our airport will be carrying around 15.6m passengers. This exciting and sustainable growth plan and associated benefits can be realised, thanks to the changes approved to our Night Flying policy. 

If the Council had failed to approve these changes, airlines would have struggled to operate adequate, daily rotations in order to protect the viability of many routes. This would have resulted in the cancellation of routes and choice from our airport and a consequent reduction in employment and GVA in the region. We are delighted the policy has been updated that will ensure current growth forecasts are enabled, unlocking wider benefits to the airport and West Midland region. 

However, we understand the concerns of local communities and encourage residents to reach out and double check they are in receipt of all aspects of our noise mitigation programme. Our offering far exceeds statutory requirements set by UK Government and will continue to be enhanced over the next Night Flying period.