A Deep Dive into Heathrow’s Noise Action Plan (NAP) 2024-2028
Heathrow Airport’s new Noise Action Plan (NAP) for 2024-2028 has officially been adopted and was presented to Heathrow’s Noise and Airspace Community Forum (NACF) November 2024 meeting, with communities invited to engage with the detailed strategies designed to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft noise.
Key details of the plan were presented by Pierre Sohier and James Mackenzie from Heathrow Airport Limited and included a whole range of new initiatives to mitigate the noise challenges ahead.
Public Consultation Insights
The Noise Action Plan (NAP) was informed by responses to a public information and engagement campaign in 2023 reaching over 1.3 million people through social media, and an additional 1.9 million audio impressions via local radio. 876 responses from individual residents, local community groups, MPs, and local authorities were received and Pierre Sohier who led the process informed NACF members that the feedback gathered was both meaningful and representative.
Key Targets and Commitments
The 2024-2028 NAP is aligned with Heathrow 2.0, aiming to reduce noise disturbance by 10% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels). Key targets include:
A voluntary flight ban between 00:00 and 04:30 starting in 2025, except for emergency or essential flights.
Easterly Alternation implementation by 2028.
Aiming for 150 nights per year without flights past 23:30 starting from 2025.
Incentives to encourage the use of quieter, Chapter 14 aircraft.
Expanding Heathrow’s Residential Insulation Scheme (RIS) with a target of 80% uptake.
These efforts aim to improve the quality of life for residents by reducing noise pollution and disturbance, particularly during night hours.
Challenges and Community Feedback
There was a lively and informed discussion about the NAP, which was welcomed and the targets and mitigating actions were discussed in detail. Community members had a number of comments and suggestions for Heathrow and the key ones are reflected here:
The future introduction Easterly Alternation would offer more opportunities for respite but would result in new communities being impacted by aircraft noise, and studies show residents previously unaffected but newly overflown care more acutely affected by noise and annoyance.
Some residents around Heathrow are affected by vibrations as well as noise and this should also be mitigated, noting Longford residents could feel vibrations before hearing the noise from aircraft.
The NAP target of achieving 150 nights without late running night flights was felt not to be ambitious enough given that this was lower than the current performance. Pierre Sohier was asked to confirm that this target included the absence of dispensed late runners which he did.
· The feasibility of the goal to reduce annoyance and sleep disturbance by 10%, was also questioned given the rapid growth in the aircraft fleet. However, Pierre Sohier reassured that the target was conservative, and forecasts suggested the potential for a 15% reduction by 2030.
Consultation and Further Engagement
One of the most exciting NAP proposals was the commissioning of an independent Noise Attitudes Survey by 2026, to better understand public perception and track progress. Community members were keen to bring this forward so it could influence current noise management plans, including the Airspace Modernisation Programme.
Moving Forward: Collaboration and Accountability
As the forum concluded, discussions turned toward how to prioritise actions, keep the community informed, and build consensus. Members expressed the need to use feedback to tackle the complexity of the data and suggested employing a traffic light system for clearer tracking of progress.
Several other community concerns were raised about how information about programmes like the Quieter Neighbourhood Support Scheme was not reaching all local residents. It was mentioned that some communities near the northern runway were still unaware of key support measures, indicating a gap in communication that needs to be addressed.
Next Steps
Heathrow intends to keep engaging with the community to build trust and improve the NAP’s implementation. A follow-up forum meeting was proposed to continue discussing the finer points of the plan and its progress.
Heathrow’s commitment to reducing noise impacts on local communities remains, but ongoing dialogue, feedback, and transparency will be crucial to ensure the plan achieves its objectives.
The community has an important role to play in shaping Heathrow’s noise management strategies, and the upcoming independent survey will provide valuable insights as the airport works toward its ambitious 2024-2028 goals.
The NACF welcome your input on the topics discussed here. Please share your thoughts by emailing us at nacf@heathrow.com
Contribute Your Views and Experiences of Noise
Heathrow’s NACF membership includes several community groups in and around Heathrow and these will most probably cover your area so we would urge to engage with them to contribute your views and experiences of noise. A list of these can be found on the NACF page of the CISHA website.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 28th May 2025.
Together, we can work toward solutions to influence current noise management plans. Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities for engagement.
Andreas Lambrianou
Independent Chair, Noise and Airspace Community Forum