Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick told BBC London last night that he would order an investigation in why night flight numbers at Heathrow have been soaring beyond the agreed limit. It follows an investigation by the BBC which showed that night flights significantly exceeded the Government quota for the six months between October last year and March this year. The exact figures remain as yet uncertain but the BBC investigation shows that the airport was at least 300 flights over quota.

There is a strict Government limit on the number of flights allowed at Heathrow between 11.30pm and 6am. On an average night, there should be no more than 16 flights. But the latest figures show that last winter the total number of extra flights between October and March was 440. BAA claim that 109 of these flights were allowed under the terms of its agreement with the Government. That still leaves 331 flights over the limit. BAA have pointed to the intense fog Heathrow experienced for a few days last Winter as a possible reason for exceeding the limit.

John Stewart, Chair of HACAN, the group which campaigns for residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said, "This looks like another own goal for BAA. It appears to have been trying to squeeze in more night flights hoping that nobody would notice. Once again they have proved themselves to be the master of the dark arts".

For further information contact:

John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650