Runway Alternation Suspension Warning

Residents set to face more plane noise disruption

Residents are set to face more plane noise disruption as runway alternation is suspended from next week (11-18 June 2007).

According to BAA, alternation - when flights swap runways at 3pm each day, giving residents half a day’s peace and quiet - has to be suspended in order to carry out essential works to one of the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at Heathrow airport.

The ILS that guides flights coming into land on the southern runway during westerly operations is to be taken out of service for one week. This means that the vast majority of arrivals will have to use the northern runway during this time. As a result, the majority of departures will be from the southern runway.

Cllr Barbara Reid, Hounslow’s lead member on Aviation issues, said, “We know work like this has to be done but once again there has been little or no publicity about this suspension, and no guarantees that the work will be completed on schedule.

“The last time work was carried out, it took a lot longer than we were told to expect. And once again BAA have chosen a time when people will want to make the most of the summer, spending time in their gardens, or keeping their windows open to enjoy the weather.

“We seek assurances from BAA that this work will be completed within the timescale and that no further suspensions are planned at least for the rest of the summer months.”

June 6, 2007