WHITECROOK campaigners have joined a national bid to end night flights over residential homes from nearby airports.

The Whitecrook Aircraft Noise Association (WANA) wrote last month to UK transport under secretary Robert Courts and called for an upcoming consultation on night flights, to avoid the mistakes of 2017 when they decided the policy in advance.

Britain’s Department for Transport has the power to restrict flights at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, but they are expected to look at reforms for all UK airports, including Glasgow, which has flight paths over Whitecrook, Linnvale, Drumry, and Drumchapel.

A plan to test improvements to homes in Whitecrook aimed at reducing noise levels, which are above World Health Organisation recommended maximum levels, were delayed because of the pandemic.

Tam Brady, lead campaigner with WANA, told the Post: “Aircraft night flights and the adverse health effects it has on those exposed to is not new.

“The CAA and government have been fully aware of it and have steadfastly refused to do anything about it until recently.

“Flight schedules should be rearranged so that arrivals/departures do not take place between 11pm and 6.30am, and this should be introduced immediately.”

In the letter to ministers, WANA and other UK organisations called for a ban except for emergency or humanitarian flights. If other flights are allowed, they should be more heavily regulated.

They added: “If building aviation back better is to mean anything it must mean putting people’s health and welfare ahead of cheap flights for the small section of society who fly frequently, and airline profits.”

A DfT spokeswoman said last month: “We recognise the concerns around the impact of noise on communities and intend to consult on night flights restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted shortly, as well as the government’s national night flight policy.”