There is a long history in the UK of airport noise policy being developed by government at the Designated London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) and this has consequences for equivalent noise management standards being expected at other airports.

In July 2015 the Airports Commission (AC) submitted its final report to government recommending a new runway should be built at Heathrow if certain conditions can be met. The government is considering the Commission’s recommendations through to May/June, and whilst Heathrow and Gatwick airports will be directly affected by the outcome, how could other airports be affected, and what should they be doing to prepare?