Campaigners call for Gatwick residents to have their say on night flight ban

Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (Cagne), the umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey and Kent, is urging residents to have their say in the second part of the government's night flight restrictions consultation, which closes on May 31.

A survey by the organisation last year found more than 70 per cent of Gatwick residents think there should be a total night flight ban on aircraft at the airport.

READ MORE: Survey finds Gatwick Airport community want night flight ban

Nearly 74 per cent agreed there should be a total night flight ban on arriving and departing aircraft, while 75 per cent supported a reduced night noise trial.

Guided by research, Cagne said a prolonged disruption of the circadian rhythm is linked to sleep disorders, obesity, depression, diabetes and an increase in the growth of cancer cells.

A spokesman said: “We call upon residents to now repeat this request to the government through this consultation.

“It is well documented that night flights come with serious health risks and as such they carry a cost to residents' wellbeing and the NHS.

"For too long this factor has been ignored in favour of the aviation industry, but at Gatwick, flights are for leisure travellers.

"Surely the health of people comes before the cost-cutting pleasure flights?”

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said: "We acknowledge the issue of night time flying is a matter of concern for some residents on our local communities.

"We also know however that many local people benefit from having Gatwick on their doorstep.

"A balance therefore needs to be struck between the economic benefits of night time flying and the needs of local people who are impacted by aircraft noise and we will continue to operate within the restrictions on night flying set by the Department for Transport.

SEE ALSO: Report finds aircraft noise could be five times higher than previously thought at Gatwick

“In addition, we work hard with our airline partners to maintain on time performance to prevent flights from operating at night due to delays.

"We also incentivise our airlines to operate the quietest fleet possible during the sensitive night period and continue to support the work of the Noise Management Board, an independent body which brings together local community representatives with industry partners to reduce aircraft noise."

To take part in the government's consultation on night flight restrictions, visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations.