A local councillors has raised fears over a compensation scheme from Glasgow Airport linked to aircraft noise over Clydebank.
William Rooney has written to airport bosses earlier this month to advocate for an extension around existing parameters for the Noise Insulation Scheme.
Currently, the airport is consulting on their Airspace Change Proposal which aims to modernise the arrival and departure routes and surrounding airspace.
The consultation is running until January 25.
Cllr Rooney claims the current system has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s despite a significant increase in air traffic.
The proposal would upgrade flight paths using performance‑based navigation, which relies on satellite navigation rather than older ground‑based navigation aids. This can streamline routes and lead to quicker, quieter, and more efficient flights.
However, because of Clydebank’s proximity to runways 05 and 23, Rooney says the proposed flight paths will not eliminate aircraft noise for local residents.
He wrote to Mark Beveridge, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, as part of the consultation to express his concerns that the proposals may deliver limited benefits for Clydebank residents.
He also said that the new proposals offer marginal improvements in flight‑path efficiency and a reduction in disruption for some residents.
Clydebank Councillor William Rooney said: “Glasgow Airport is a major contributor to Scotland’s economy, and we need to ensure its success is shared fairly. Residents in Clydebank, especially in Whitecrook, need to be heard and supported.
“On that basis, I believe the Noise Insulation Scheme should be expanded further. While I welcome its recent extension to over 650 households, coverage should include entire streets, not just selected properties, and the phased rollout should be accelerated.
“I urge the airport to lower the eligibility threshold by at least one decibel to more accurately reflect the flight path’s real impact. I also encourage Clydebank residents to take part in the consultation and make their voices heard.”
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In a letter responding to Cllr Rooney and seen by the Clydebank Post, Mark Beveridge notes that the current scheme goes 'substantially' further than UK Government requires.
In addition, the Noise Insulation Scheme covers those within a 60dB summer average noise contour which encompasses 650 properties.
Glasgow Airport say this represents a significant multi-million pound investment.
The eight-week application window for the scheme has recently closed and Mark says around 70% of those eligible registered an interest in the funding.
Meanwhile, the final two weeks to share views on the current Scottish Airspace Modernisation has begun.
Since launching on October 20 last year, the consultation has received over 1300 responses. Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh Airport and NATS have jointly hosted over 40 events, including public open sessions across Scotland and online webinar sessions for public and aviation stakeholders. Three in-person events remain in Paisley, Johnstone and Clydebank.
Once the consultation closes, Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh Airport and NATS will review all feedback received, identify themes which could impact the proposals, and undertake comprehensive analysis, including potential refinements to the design of each Airspace Change Proposal (ACP).
It is hoped more direct routes will enable reductions of up to 30 minutes of flying time each day, saving fuel and enabling route mileage reductions equivalent to 3.5 trips around the world annually.
These proposals are expected to enable an annual saving of 18,000 tonnes of CO₂e – equivalent to that produced powering over 5,000 UK homes.
Benefits also include a reduction in airborne delay, with 6% fewer aircraft needing to hold before landing, equating to over 7,000 flights a year. Where holding patterns remain necessary, many will be raised to lessen noise impact and keep aircraft at higher altitudes – where they operate more efficiently – for longer.
There will be a public drop‑in event at Clydebank Town Hall on Saturday 17 January from 10:30am–2:30pm.
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