Heathrow offers to curb night flights as it fights to build third runway

Heathrow Airport has promised to reduce night flights and curb both noise and pollution if it is allowed to build a new, third runway. The pledge comes ahead of a government decision expected this summer on whether to expand Heathrow or Gatwick. Last year, the Davies Commission recommended expanding Heathrow, but with strict environmental restrictions. But, Gatwick Airport is still fighting, saying it remained the "only expansion plan that could deliver for the UK". Heathrow said it will allow a longer quiet period overnight, with flights not allowed to land between 11pm and 5:30am, from their current 11.30pm finish and 4.30am start. John Holland-Kaye, CE at Heathrow Airport Holdings, said they would bring in the new times in six and half years time if they were granted the right to expand. The offer differs from the recommendations made by Sir Howard Davies' inquiry, which wanted a ban on night flights between 11.30pm and 6.00am. The airport is promising to meet his calls for limits to overall noise and guarantees that local pollution would not get worse.<br/>