Airport’s flight change plans stall as aviation body halts its review
Edinburgh Airport’s plan to change its flight plans have been put on hold after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) halted its review of the proposal.
The two-year consultation process came to a stop yesterday after the CAA stated that it has “decided not to continue the review” of the airports plans to change flight paths.
A CAA spokesman said: “We have informed Edinburgh Airport that we will not be continuing to review Stage 5 of the Airspace Change Process.
“Our reasons for this decision largely relates to technical aspects of the proposal and this has been fully explained to the airport.
“If and when these issues are addressed, Edinburgh Airport will be free to resubmit their proposal.”
The project has already faced complications after airport bosses had to modify proposals last month following a public consultation.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “We’re clear that our proposal is the best balance achievable in terms of surrounding communities and our operation, and works for Edinburgh and Scotland. We’ll be working with National Air Traffic Service (NATS) on the co-ordination issues to allow the CAA to restart its analysis so we can develop the airport for the future.”
A large number of community groups and elected representatives wrote to the CAA back in May to ask for the consultation to be paused due to concerns over the proposal.
Edinburgh Airport Watch, a community group created to campaign against the flight plan changes, have said that they welcome the halt to the review.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We welcome this newsfromtheregulator,these proposals enjoyed very little support in communities. The airport never needed all these flight paths, they operate fewer takeoffs and landings today than ten years ago.
“We must also remember the tens of thousands of people who continue to suffer daily noise abuse from Edinburgh Airport. We call on them to learn from their past mistakes, and start a proper, meaningful and respectful dialogue with communities that leads to substantial improvements.”
The Green Party has also expressedrelief.markruskell, Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said that he welcomes the halt, but that proper consideration needs to be given to Scotland’s transport priorities before the plans continue. He said: “These plans have been arrogantly rushed through by Edinburgh Airport and the result has been flaws at every stage of the consultation.”
newsdeskts@scotsman.com