Currently sitting in Larnaca waiting to leave on one of the old 767s, looks like it’ll be at least a two hour delay. It’s away at a remote stand for an engine test apparently.

Its delay has got me thinking about night time restrictions at Heathrow and how they work. Is it up to Heathrow to decide if a flight can land in the restricted time? Can BA decide to take the hit on any fines if it means they can land (and avoid a plane and crew in the wrong location)? Are the quotas allocated on a ‘as needed’ basis or do airlines get an allowance?