Eight weeks left for public to have their say on Luton Airport flight path changes

The consultation proposes a new aircraft hold for Luton Airport above the St Neots and Huntingdon area, along with separate routes "further out and higher up". This is to ensure its operations don’t clash with Stansted.

The joint consultation, co-sponsored with air traffic control provider NATS, is looking at two options:.

> Option one focuses upon higher altitude arrival routes from the new hold, with the latest air navigation technology (Performance Based Navigation - PBN) at altitudes of around 8,000ft and above to separate Luton's arrivals from Stansted’s.

> Option two, described as the "preferred" choice, offers the same but with added "pre-determined" routes spread out to wider areas outside Luton. Areas affected by the proposed changes include parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk.

An online postcode tool (available in the virtual exhibition here) allows anyone in these areas to see what the changes may mean for them.

Luton Airport and NATS expect to submit a formal proposal for the CAA’s consideration in Summer 2021; any changes that are approved will not be in place before 2022.

Early engagement included the military, local councils and other stakeholders such as local campaign organisations, aviation groups and a representative of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Neil Thompson, operations director at Luton Airport, said, “We would encourage anyone in the areas affected to visit the virtual exhibition to find out what the changes might mean for them.

"We have online Q&A sessions available in December and January, so please do register for one and speak to us directly about your concerns.

"Everyone has the right to respond and we want to hear from as many people as possible.”

To find out more and submit a response, visit https://www.nats.aero/vr/ad6/.

This consultation runs until February 5, 2021.

If a printed copy of the consultation document is required, write to:

Airspace Change

Flight Operations

London Luton Airport

Percival House, Percival Way

Luton

LU2 9NU