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Heathrow Airport: Night Flying

Asked by Sarah OlneyLiberal DemocratDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 14 July 2025UIN 65836

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has had discussions with Heathrow Airport on flights being held in a holding pattern over residents' houses between 5:30 and 6:00am.

Answered by Mike Kane

NATS is responsible for providing air traffic services at Heathrow Airport. There are defined flight routes and procedures for aircraft landing at Heathrow but for operational and safety reasons aircraft may be held in a holding pattern prior to landing. These reasons can include the need to ensure safe separation between aircraft as well as weather conditions.

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