Flight angle could reduce noise pollution at Heathrow
Noise disruption for those living under the flight paths at Heathrow could be reduced if the aircraft came in to land at a steeper angle, according to the head of air traffic control.
Richard Deakin, chief executive of National Air Traffic Services (NATS), said the height of aircraft passing over some southwest London suburbs could double under such a landing regime, reports the Sunday Times.
One airline, Emirates, estimates that steeper descents into Heathrow would reduce noise by between 15%-20%.
Aircraft currently descend into Heathrow at an angle of 3 degrees, flying at about 1,600ft as they pass over the suburb of Richmond.
NATS is working on a proposal to increase the approach angle to 5.5 degrees.
If adopted, aircraft would pass over Richmond at 3,000ft, reducing noise.
The steeper descent would not increase noise levels for those who live nearer the airport and is already in place at London City.
NATS CEO Richard Deakin is to give evidence to the Transport Select Committee today on runway capacity in the South East.
Diane
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements