72% of those who took part in an open online survey want to see a ban on Gatwick Airport night flights from 10pm till 7am. Also, 68% do not support a new runway at Gatwick.
“Residents are sending a strong message to Gatwick Airport by this survey’s results: ‘Let us sleep’. CAGNE again calls upon the government to enforce a ban on night flights at Gatwick Airport , whether with one or two runways,” says CAGNE.
Gatwick currently operates over 14,450 night flights a year, disrupting the sleep of those seeking rest, and this must stop. Night flights cause sleep deprivation, which in turn impacts productivity in the workplace and classroom, as well as having well-known health impacts.
Asked why they wish to see a ban at Gatwick, nearly 28% stated it was due to aircraft noise, almost 67% agreed, but also felt emissions from the airfield, road, and aircraft, the impact of night traffic on roads, and the impact on nature were additional reasons for a night ban.
CAGNE, the umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, marked the International Ban Night Flight Day (13th September), joining over 200 groups from 10 countries, by hosting an online survey of residents of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent on the day.
“Every flight burns massive amounts of fossil fuels, causing emissions that heat the planet. Even a single long-haul flight can emit more than many people’s entire annual footprint.”
Gatwick is at its peak during the summer schedule with over 11,200 flights (plus government dispensations), and 3,250 during the winter months.
“A ban on night flights is just one step towards reducing emissions and noise from aviation, and Gatwick Airport becoming a good neighbour to residents and the planet.”
The survey also asked if they supported a new runway at Gatwick Airport, adding over 100,000 extra flights a year. 68% said no, they did not support a new runway, with only 32% offering support.