New airport routes get go-ahead

Concern has been raised about the increased noise levels

Plans for a series of new flight paths at Nottingham East Midlands Airport have been given the go-ahead by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Aircraft will start using the new routes from 12 May.

The airport carried out 12 weeks of consultation on the changes with local groups and residents.

But some protesters say they have been let down and are concerned about the increased noise levels from night flights from the routes.

The airport said it is committed to working with communities to keep noise disturbance to a minimum.

Higher and quieter

Steve Charlish, who campaigned against the new routes, said his group - East Leicestershire Villages Against Airspace - will continue to oppose the changes.

Alan Leech, of the protest group Wings, said: "We are left further behind than ever. We think they have put the cart before the horse and are not addressing the noise issue at the airport.

"There will be people who were not bothered before by noise at night who will be kept awake now."

The airport said the changes will mean that aircraft will fly over fewer people than if they were using the "old" flight paths and arriving aircraft will be higher and quieter.

One of the new routes used by departing aircraft flying to Scotland and Scandinavia will only be used during the daytime.

The airport said arriving aircraft will fly east of Leicester and not over built-up areas.