London Luton Airport stack relocation consultation
A public consultation has been launched as part of a proposal to change the arrival routes into London Luton Airport. This proposal is jointly sponsored by London Luton Airport and NATS (Air Traffic Control).
Currently, Stansted and Luton airports share arrival holds and routes. It is unique for two major airports of this size to share arrival routes, and the two airports are now handling much more traffic than the airspace was designed for.
The ‘AD6 arrivals change’ proposal will separate the arrival flows for the two airports and establish a new hold for Luton traffic. Both Stansted and Luton currently suffer from knock-on delays where any delay at one airport, either in the air or on the ground, impacts the other and can cause further delay, noise, and emissions. Separating the routes will maintain a safe and predictable path into each airport and reduce these knock-on delays.
Despite the current crisis this airspace is some of the busiest and most congested in Europe, and the proposed change will ensure Luton airspace operates effectively and efficiently into the future. This consultation is an opportunity for residents to help shape that proposal.
As the proposed flight paths are to the south, there is likely to be little impact in Huntingdonshire. However, the plans also include a new holding pattern for the airport which is intended to be over the south-western corner of Huntingdonshire (broadly circling round the line of the A1 from St Neots to Alconbury). The intention is that aircraft in the holding zone will be flying at a height of over 8,000 feet and the consultation document sets out a position that this will not present a nuisance, either in terms of noise or pollution.
NATS stakeholder mapping indicates that Hilton may be affected by this proposal.
This consultation will run until 5th February 2021. The formal consultation website can be accessed at https://consultations.airspacechange.co.uk/london-luton-airport/ad6_luton_arrivals/
Further information can be found within the Virtual Exhibition, in which there are videos, banners, downloadable materials, and a postcode look up tool. Individuals can also sign up to live webinars through the virtual exhibition.
Hilton Parish Council have sent letters to Jonathan Djanogly MP, NATS, Cambridgeshire County Council and Huntingdonshire District Council. A copy of these letters is attached to this post.
Hilton Parish Council would like to urge parishioners to respond to this consultation with their views.
