Night flying restrictions

Night flying restrictions or night-time curfews, including night flight bans, are any regulations or legislation imposed by a governing body to limit the ground-perceived exposure to aircraft noise pollution during the night hours, when the majority of residents are trying to sleep. Such regulations may include restrictions to available flight paths, or prohibitions against takeoffs, or prohibitions against takeoffs and landings, or prohibitions against ground operations.

List

Europe

Several night flying restrictions including full night flight bans have been introduced in Europe in order to ensure that residents living near airports can sleep at night.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Hungary: A night flight ban between midnight and 05:00 was introduced in August 2019 by agreement between the city of Budapest and the Ministry of Transport. Nearby residents received a government subsidy to install soundproof windows.
Cologne Bonn Airport, Germany: In April 2012, the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia introduced a night flight ban for passenger aircraft from midnight until 05:00.
Frankfurt Airport, Germany: In October 2011, the Supreme Court of Hesse imposed a ban on night flights between 23:00 and 05:00. This decision was upheld by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig in April 2012. During the morning and evening periods a limited number of flights are allowed, providing they comply with ICAO Chapter 4 noise regulations. Further restrictions apply to noisier aircraft.
London airports: The night restrictions for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted define a night period, 23:00–07:00, and a night quota period, 23:30–06:00. During the night period, the noisiest types of aircraft may not be scheduled to land or to take off. In addition, during the night quota period movements by most other types of aircraft will be restricted by a movements limit and a noise quota, which are set for each season.
Zurich Airport, Switzerland: A strict night-time curfew has been in force since 29 July 2010 between 23:30 and 06:00; the time between 23:00 and 23:30 may only be used to reduce backlogs of delayed flights.

Oceania

Curfews are not as common at international airports in Oceania as they are in Europe, though some airports do still have curfews if they surround densely populated suburbs.

Environmental and community impact

Health

There are several studies examining the relationship between aviation noise at night and its effects on health and quality of life. The UK's ANNE study aims to provide insights into how nighttime aviation noise affects sleep disturbance among residents living near airports. Results from this study are expected to inform future regulations and help mitigate adverse effects on communities.

Economy

While night flights are crucial for maintaining global trade and passenger connectivity, their impact on local communities cannot be overlooked. Stakeholders argue for a balanced approach that considers both economic benefits and the well-being of residents affected by noise pollution. The US government has expressed concerns over potential reductions in night flight operations in Europe, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of economic implications.