Leeds Bradford Airport have been found of breaching their night time flight rule for the second consecutive year.
Over the 2023 summer season, which runs from March to October, it was found that the airport exceeded the limit by 747 flights.
Leeds Bradford Airport denied these claims earlier this year in June, however after an investigation by Leeds City Council, it was founded that the airport breached the flight limit by 25%.
Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) has previously fought against the airport expansion and noise pollution. Activist and secretary Ian Coatman called it a, “public health issue” claiming that the airport are ignoring the limit.
He also added, “we think this is completely unacceptable and were fighting back against it. It’s purely a profit driven motive but it’s the public health that suffers as a result of that.”
The Airport are wanting to increase their current limit of 2,920 night flights. Local resident Emily Hardill is concerned and said “it’s getting a bit of a joke now, I’d say at least once a week my sleep is getting disrupted, they really need to clamp down on this and put some tight measures in place.”
Leeds Councilor Barry Anderson has branded the Leeds Planning Enforcement as ‘toothless tigers’ for refusing to take action. He said, “Three or four months ago they confirmed to me and all the other councilors that yes the airport had been breaching regulations but they didn’t see any reason why they should take action against them.
last week, there was a public meeting in Cookridge. More than 80 people attended, after the airport asked Leeds City Council for clarity over night time flight rules. Protestors waited outside whilst the meeting was held.
Airport bosses have agreed to meet residents again over night flying issues and concerns.
