Dubai-based airline Emirates – one of three airlines currently operating the A380 at Heathrow – has asked for permission to operate the “superjumbo” until 0100 and then resume services at 0400.


Currently there are severe restrictions on overnight flying at Heathrow with only a small few allowed to fly in or out. Most are longhaul flights which generally land between 0415 and 0600.

The A380 is currently the world’s largest passenger aircraft. British Airways has already begun work on its maintenance base ahead of their first A380 arrival next year.

Emirates is hoping that a steeper landing angle of 5.5 degrees – rather than the normal angle of 3 degrees – will solve the problem of noise, with a similar consideration applicable to landing.

However, there is opposition to the plans. John Stewart, of campaign group HACAN Clearskies, said: “At night, there is no such thing as a quiet plane. A new landing approach will not mean fewer people being affected by noise.

“It seems that they are using the fact that the A380 is a bit quieter to try to get this through, but I don’t think they’ll get away with it. Night flights are so controversial. It’s almost impossible to see a minister authorising any more night flights.”