Tourist flights over New York to be halved
New York City officials have agreed to scale back tourist helicopter flights over the city after striking a compromise deal with aerial tour firms.
Residents groups and local politicians had lobbied for chopper flights to be completely banned due to incessant noise pollution but the deal will reduce the number of flights by half from next year.
The number of flights to and from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Pier 6 in lower Manhattan will be cut by 50% to about 30,000 flights a year.
In addition, no flights will be allowed on Sundays starting on April 1 this year and flights over Governors Island will be banned.
"The nonstop din of helicopters has been a major quality of life issue for New Yorkers living near heavily trafficked routes," said mayor Bill de Blasio.
"We’re grateful to have saved the jobs and the revenue, given that the City Council was trying to eliminate the tours altogether. I think this was an extremely positive outcome," said Chris Vellios, chief operating officer for Liberty Helicopter Inc.
A reduction in flights will be phased in gradually through January 2017, officials said, and all operators must log all flights and routes taken with the Economic Development Corp. and the city council.
"What we have now is immediate relief. This is a huge victory for our residents," said city councilwoman Helen Rosenthal, who had proposed a ban on all chopper flights.
"I think it’s a significant reduction and I think it will bring relief. And if it doesn’t, the City Council has our eye on the ball," said Rosenthal.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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