Bristol Airport protest over 'harmful' late-night flights
Residents have banded together to protest against the "disruptive" late-night flights from Bristol Airport, claiming that the noise pollution is causing a range of health issues. On Friday, September 13, demonstrators, including members of the Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN), gathered at the A38 roundabout near the airport.
Dressed in pyjamas and armed with banners proclaiming "Ban night flights so we can sleep", the group made their stance clear. The demonstration was part of a global movement opposing late-night flights, with around 70 protest groups from various locations worldwide joining forces to call for an end to the disturbance.
BAAN member Stephen Clarke said: "We are demonstrating today in solidarity with other residents around the world who are badly affected by night flights. From Bristol to Barcelona and from and from Antwerp to Amsterdam; together we say these damaging and unnecessary night flights should be banned."
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Richard Baxter, also a member of BAAN said: "Various studies have shown that night flights cause a wide range of medical and mental conditions for those who suffer from severely disturbed sleep caused by aircraft noise."
Local resident Racheal Dodds from Dundry who attended the protest with her family said: 'Night flights are really disturbing our sleep as we are right on the night path. Sleep deprivation is a form of torture. So we've gone to bed and are falling asleep and it's just immediately your sleep is disturbed. We need sleep to be well and healthy. We need sleep to be productive, form good communities and be a good neighbour. This is really having a detrimental effect on our lives"
Taking to social media, Eyes On Bristol Airport said in the last three months, there has been 3,000 late night flights, averaging out to roughly 30 every night.
It said: "#BanNightFlights 13th September was International Ban Night Flights day. Groups in 120 countries support this ban. @BristolAirport have flown ~3,000 night flights in the last 3 months alone That's over 30 per night! How can people sleep?".
SomersetLive has reported that while the number of late night flights from Bristol Airport are capped, the locals living in the area feel it is still too many and have taken action against it.
Back in 2022, BAAN took to the High Court the challenge plans proposed by Bristol Airport to expand to 12 million passengers a year. Despite being unsuccessful the group continues their work to challenge the number of disruptive flights.
Ahead of Friday's protest, a spokesperson for Bristol Airport said they were “unsure” how BAAN had arrived at their figures and that the accounting period for the cap on flights was summer – winter 2023/24 and did not follow the calendar year.
The spokesperson said: “For summer 2023 and winter 2023/24 there were 3,806 night flights, which is within the 4,000 limit for this reporting period. From 31 March to 4 August 2024, we have had 1,969 night flights.
“We are aware of the peaceful, organised protest planned on the A38 near the Airport on Friday evening (September 13). The airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week under tight noise and environmental controls.
"We work closely with the airlines and North Somerset Council to remain within our consented operating limits and report all night flights and dispensations to North Somerset Council on a monthly basis.”