Bruce Crawford MSP

Rural Stirlingshire residents are concerned that their homes could be plagued by low-flying aircraft if Glasgow Airport flightpath changes are agreed .

Residents in Fintry contacted Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford saying they were worried that potential changes to routes from the airport could see aircraft flying close to the village.

Airport bosses have signalled their intention to request permission from the Civil Aviation Authority to alter the path of commercial flights in a bid to “create airspace infrastructure fit for the 21st Century” and claims it is “fully committed to growing the airport responsibly and modernising our airspace”.

The 13–week consultation process is due to end next Friday, April 13.

Managers say they will make changes to the flight paths once they have considered the views of all who respond to the consultation. All views will then be presented to the CAA before the necessary approval can be granted.

Stirling MSP, Bruce Crawford, has received assurances from Glasgow Airport over the proposed new flight paths.

Concerns had been raised by residents in and around the Fintry area with Mr Crawford’s office over the new `INLIS’ route that would take aircraft through the southern part of the Stirling constituency.

In a letter to the MSP, airport bosses said: “I would like to assure you that the proposed `INLIS’ route does not over-fly any local communities in your constituency. In terms of usage, we estimate there will be fewer than one aircraft per hour using the route and by the time they reach your constituency they will be at an altitude of between 8,300 and 10,900 feet, if not higher.”

According to guidance from the Department for Transport, airliners above 7,000 feet are no longer considered an environmental priority for noise pollution.

Mr Crawford said: “The current flight paths at Glasgow Airport have been in place since 1987 and technology in aviation has moved on dramatically since then.

“These new satellite guided systems will bring Glasgow Airport’s flight path operations into the 21st Century and are designed to cut flight time, reduce CO2 emissions, and fly over fewer residential areas.

“However, the new proposed INLIS flight path has caused some