June 2025 Newsletter
Since our presentation in October 2024 to Bromley Council’s Executive Resources & Contracts Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee, we have been meeting with representatives of each of the main political parties (as well as Council executives) to raise awareness of issues and concerns of residents. These have been well received with good engagement. The Council appears more receptive than previously.
Key areas remain the updating of the Noise Action Plan (“NAP”) and the new alternative approach to Runway 03.
NAP – BHAL say they have finished the review (which was due in 2021). The Council say they are still negotiating, and until they agree, the existing cap of 50,000 movements per annum remains. (Actual total movements reported by the airport in 2024 were 39,000 – down for a second year running). The NAP negotiations, we understand, are utilising a considerable amount of Council time and while they are ongoing, they are not prepared to discuss progress being made – due to Landlord/Tenant confidentiality. Eagle-eyed readers might note that the 2026 NAP revision is due in a years’ time!
New alternative approach to Runway 03 (that will see many planes rerouted away from the northern approach to the runway, to land instead at the southern end) – this has moved forward in the last 6 months. The CAA approved it for a trial that BHAL is now running. This involves simulator runs in May and June, and live flight validation in August. The plan is to have the full trial working in Q3 this year and the Airport CEO hopes to get the route operational by the end of the year. This is a very significant change that could see 30-40% fewer planes inbound to BHA flying over Petts Wood, Orpington, Locksbottom et al. The Council, like ourselves, are watching this closely. Its success or failure will dictate our future focus.
We (and others) have also spent a lot of time in the last year proving that the Airport complaints process is broken (lack of replies, delays in replies of up to 9 months and counting, inaccuracies in replies and lack of visibility of results of investigations). BHAL has now accepted this, and two working groups are being established to improve accuracy and transparency. These have resident representation via the Airport Residents Noise Action Forum (“ARNAF”).
We have ongoing concerns relating to the governance of the Biggin Hill Airport Consultative Committee (“BHACC”) including the independence of its chairman who has direct financial relationships with the Airport (as a tenant). We continue those discussions with our MPs for Orpington and Bromley and Biggin Hill. Without an independent chairman the operation of the ACC remains severally weakened. Recently the Keston Village Residents Association has gained a seat on the BHACC. However, this has been at the expense of one of the three seats given to Bromley Resident Associations – despite its protests.
Meanwhile BHAL is due to start resurfacing the runway this month and is building a new large “Paint Facility” hanger for Bombardier.
You might have read recently about a legal settlement between BHAL and the Council. This related to the Airport moving a WW2 RAF building (the dispersal hut) in contravention of the lease. The matter was heading to court until agreement was reached with BHAL agreeing to pay £300,000. Parts of the hut will go on display at the Museum.
Nationally, The Department for Transport (DfT) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are working together as co-sponsors for the modernisation of the UK’s airspace. Modernising airspace will: update its structural design; change how the systems on which it runs work; and use new technology to improve how air traffic is integrated and managed. As part of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, the Future Airspace Strategy Implementation (FASI) Airspace Change programme is tasked with modernising air traffic services in the UK through 20 airports including Biggin Hill. This is looking to “upgrade” arrival and departure routes that serve operations below 7,000ft. We will continue to monitor developments in this space and report any updates in future newsletters.
Lastly, you might like to note that the next local elections in Bromley are due on 7 May 2026. A number of candidates will not be seeking re-election and a new party is likely to attract attention. It will be important to be clear where your local candidates stand on airport matters. It will be good if they are made fully aware of residents’ concerns at the earliest opportunity.
It’s important to report noise complaints to the Airport via their website and to your Councillors and the Airport Monitoring Officer, as always, with a copy to Flightpath Watch if possible.
Your continued support is much appreciated.
Kind regards