Leeds Bradford Airport found to be fully compliant with night flight restrictions after CLUED outcome

Leeds Bradford Airport has been found to be fully compliant with night flight restrictions.

The ruling comes after the Yeadon-based airport’s application for a Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) in relation to the operation of night flights.

While providing clarity on the airport’s operation, the decision also confirms that LBA did not breach the movement limits governing night flights during the 2023, 2024, and 2025 periods.

A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport said: “We are pleased with the decision by Leeds City Council, which confirms our long-held position that LBA has operated responsibly and in full compliance with night flight regulations over the last three years. This decision provides much-needed certainty for our partners, our passengers, and the local community.

“LBA remains committed to being a responsible neighbour while continuing to serve as a vital economic gateway for the region.

“We look forward to continuing our constructive work with Leeds City Council to develop a sustainable long-term framework for flights that balances the region’s connectivity needs with our environmental and local commitments.”

As part of its Together for Tomorrow strategy, LBA continues to work with airlines to deploy the latest generation of quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft as part of its ongoing effort to modernise operations and reduce the noise footprint of its flight schedule.

The CLEUD application was determined following a formal call for evidence by the council. All flight data submitted by third parties was independently verified by the council and external sources.

Leeds City Council approved and confirmed as lawful up to 941 additional night‑time aircraft movements per year by quieter aircraft, a figure which is in line with movement numbers previously operated by the airport.

This decision is based on UK planning law and an assessment of the airport’s flight records over a 10-year period.

A spokesperson for the local authority added: “The council, acting as the local planning authority for Leeds, has determined a CLEUD application submitted by Leeds Bradford Airport. This provides increased clarity on the airport’s operation regarding night-time flight numbers, which we are aware is a matter of local interest.

“Leeds Bradford Airport had asked the council to confirm that unlimited flights by these quieter aircraft during the night‑time were lawful. The council did not agree to this.

“The 941 newly confirmed movements are in addition to the existing limits on night‑time flights at the airport, which were established in a 2007 planning permission and are capped at 2,800 movements during British Summer Time and 1,200 during the winter season. Any additional night-time movements above the 941 figure will count towards these caps.”

Under a condition of Leeds Bradford Airport’s planning permission in 2007, the night-time period is defined as running between 11pm and 7am each night.

Any aircraft movements above the total capped movements would constitute a breach of planning permission and could be subject to enforcement action.