More Heathrow night flights proposed

Extra capacity at Heathrow Airport could be generated by quieter jets, and a change to landing procedures, according to reports.

Emirates Airlines has asked for additional slots to land the Airbus A380. They say that if they land the quieter jets on a steeper path, they can land part-way up the runway, and cause less noise disruption for locals. They argue this means they should be allowed to land at night, giving the airport an extra way to expand capacity.

The FT reports that this could help expand the number of routes to emerging destinations, which are shut out of Heathrow, which is operating virtually at capacity.