Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has reaffirmed that its proposed changes to night-time operating arrangements aim to modernise aircraft noise management rather than increase noise levels for local communities. The airport is urging residents and stakeholders to review the facts in its planning application, especially as the window for public support on the Leeds City Council’s Planning Portal has been extended until Thursday, 15 October.
The airport’s plans represent a significant shift from an outdated system that primarily controls night-time activity based on the number of aircraft movements. Instead, LBA proposes a modern noise-based approach, similar to those already implemented at most major UK airports. Under the new proposal, a fixed noise quota will be maintained, ensuring that overall night-time noise exposure does not exceed current levels.
By linking operational flexibility to aircraft noise performance, LBA aims to encourage airlines to utilise quieter, newer generation aircraft, addressing the primary concern of local residents: noise pollution. The airport has stated that several claims regarding the application lack support from the planning documents.
LBA has clarified that its proposal does not increase the overall night noise limit, which will remain at existing levels. Furthermore, the application does not allow for unlimited growth or night flights, as terminal, runway, and infrastructure capacity will continue to restrict operations. Any major infrastructure expansion would necessitate a separate planning application. The airport is not seeking to eliminate restrictions on night flying; rather, it intends to replace the current aircraft movement cap with a stricter noise-based cap.
Claims suggesting a 75% increase in night flying or an 80% increase in flights between 6am and 7am are not reflected in any forecasts submitted as part of the planning application. Similar noise quota systems are already in place at most other UK airports, including those in London and Manchester.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, stated, “This application is about modernising an outdated system and focusing on what matters most to local communities: noise.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.”
In addition to the proposed changes, LBA has included a night noise insulation scheme for eligible properties within its planning submission. The airport also reported that air quality monitoring around the facility has consistently remained within permitted limits, with its submitted Air Quality Implications Report indicating that changes associated with the proposal would have a negligible impact on local air quality.
The application follows community engagement conducted in 2025, which LBA claims helped shape the proposals and highlighted the need for improved noise management. 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.”
However, the group GALBA (Group Against Leeds Bradford Airport) has voiced strong opposition to the airport’s expansion plans. They argue that the airport is already large enough and express concerns about the environmental impact of increased flights, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions. They also highlight health risks associated with aircraft noise, including sleep disturbances and related health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
GALBA criticises the airport’s plans, stating, “Leeds Bradford Airport wants a 57% increase in passenger numbers by 2030 and 143% by 2045. That is simply irresponsible. Aircraft noise is a serious problem, and the World Health Organisation recommends far lower thresholds to prevent adverse health impacts from aviation. Night flying is highly regulated for a reason.” They also point out that LBA has previously exceeded flight limits, with 747 more flights than allowed in the summer of 2022 and 577 more in 2023.
Currently, many older aircraft continue to operate before 7am, causing significant noise disturbances for residents along the flight paths, including those in Yeadon, Otley, Horsforth, Ilkley, Headingley, Cookridge, Guiseley, and Rawdon. GALBA has been actively monitoring these flights, which led to the issuance of a planning enforcement notice against LBA for breaching rules in 2022. The Council warned that further violations could result in criminal prosecution.
For more information on GALBA’s position and how to express concerns to Leeds City Council, visit GALBA’s website.
