Originally Posted by
sigma421
When you say 'banned' does this mean 'not allowed' or just that there would have been some sort of fine for each usage. I recall reading that the reason BA shifted the A321 CEOs to Gatwick is because they now breached some sort of LHR noise regulation and there would've been fairly substantial penalties for each usage.
On a wider note, I do think the industry overall needs to make a bigger play of how much quieter planes are these days. Anyone living on an approach path now (and I speak as someone who does) has it far easier than someone in an equivalent place in the 70s or 80s would have!
They're not banned entirely. There are still 747-400s flying into LHR. Not many these days, but you'll see one occasionally. There is a 'ban' on QC4 aircraft such as 747-400 between 23:30 and 06:00 but there can be exceptions.
LHR has a noise action plan which currently runs to 2028 although there are some targets set for 2030 -
Noise action plan | Heathrow
The main points:
Reduce annoyance (Lden 55 dB) and sleep disturbance (Lnight 50 dB) by 10% compared to 2019 (2030)
Introduce Easterly Alternation by 2028
Implement a voluntary ban on flights between 00:00 and 04:30 from 2025 (except for dispensed operations)
Incentivise the use of Chapter 14 aircraft to reduce Chapter 4 operations to below 2019 levels
Ensure at least 150 nights without aircraft after 23:30 from 2025