Right in the flight path
New proposals could affect Rutherglen
Proposed changes to flight paths out of Glasgow Airport could see a main flight path right above Rutherglen.
The airport confirmed this week it was starting a 13-week consultation on possible alternates to the current airspace plan.
Included in that is moving one departure route from their north east-facing runway to go right above the Burgh.
A spokesman for the airport told the Reformer this week that Rutherglen already experiences air traffic.
But the airport’s own data suggests traffic is greatest right above actual flight paths, while a new navigational system will be introduced which ensures aircraft will rarely deviate from within one nautical mile of the flight path, which could include parts of Cambuslang.
According to maps released with the consultation document, Rutherglen and Cambuslang currently have just a handful of planes passing over each day.
Nearby Cathcart, which is under the current flight path, can experience up to double figures.
The flight path would serve runway five at Glasgow, from which 20 per cent of flights leave. According to official figures, nearly 100,000 flights left Glasgow Airport in 2016.
Of the flights using runway five, 13.5 per cent used the route that is proposed to go above Rutherglen.
Mark Johnston, operations director at Glasgow Airport, insisted the proposed changes would modernise flight paths and cut fuel usage.
He said: “The flight paths used at Glasgow Airport have not changed in over 50 years and, as is the case with the wider UK airspace infrastructure, they are simply no longer fit for purpose.
“We now need to ensure the way we manage our airspace matches the advancements that have been made in aircraft technology.”
The Reformer has been contacted by several residents concerned about the potential noise impact on the area.
However views have been mixed on social media, with others saying planes already fly over the town.
Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Gerard Killen will speak to airport bosses and said: “We already have planes passing overhead in Rutherglen, but I have requested a meeting with the airport to discuss what changes we might see if these proposals go ahead.
“In the meantime, I would encourage residents to respond to the consultation on Glasgow Airport’s website.”
More information can be found at www.glasgowairport.com/airspace.
The consultation process is due to finish in April. If implemented, the new flight path would become operational early next year.