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Thursday, 21 February 2008, 13:06 GMT

How air routes may change

Major changes to flight paths in South East England are being proposed by the business responsible for the UK's airspace.

Map showing existing and proposed aircraft stacking areas over Stansted, Luton and London City airports

PEOPLE UNDER HOLDING AREAS
Luton:

Current - 26,470
Proposed - 14,227

Stansted:

Current - 35,645
Proposed - 24,598

London City:

Current - 54,564
Proposed - 12,051

Source: Nats
The map shows existing holding areas for aircraft heading for Luton, Stansted and London City airports and their proposed replacements under the Nats plan.

Luton and Stansted currently share two holding areas, known as stacks.

But under the new plans, Luton would have a dedicated one, avoiding potential knock-on effects for either airport if there are hold-ups at the other. Stansted would have two "stacks".

New flight paths planned

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