London Gatwick does not have a total flight curfew, but it is subject to strict Night Flight Restrictions that limit the volume and noise level of aircraft between 11:30 PM and 6:00 AM. For the 2025–2028 regime, the UK government has set a "quota count" system: each aircraft is assigned a noise rating, and the airport has a total "allowance" of noise points it can use during the night. While some quiet, modern planes (like the Airbus A321neo) are allowed to fly at night, the number of movements is capped to protect the sleep of local residents. In 2026, Gatwick is generally allowed about 11,200 night movements per year, split between summer and winter seasons. If a flight is delayed and tries to take off after the "quota" is full, it may be forced to stay grounded until 6:00 AM. This is why you will see many charter and low-cost flights scheduled for 5:55 AM or 6:05 AM—they are "racing" to be the first out once the restrictive night period ends.
Yes, Gatwick Airport (LGW) does have a night flight restriction scheme, which is effectively a curfew, but it’s more nuanced than a complete ban.
Here are the key details:
1. Core Night Quota Period (The Strictest Rules)
- Hours: 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM.
- During this period, operations are heavily restricted. The airport operates under a Night Movement Limit, which sets a cap on the number of flights allowed.
- No scheduled flights are permitted to arrive or depart in the middle of this period, from 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM, except in exceptional circumstances (like severe delays due to weather or emergencies).
2. Night Period (Additional Restrictions)
- Hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
- This broader period has stricter noise controls. Airlines operating during these hours must use the quietest aircraft available (classified as QC/4 or QC/8 under the Quota Count system). Noisier aircraft are banned.
- The total number of movements (take-offs and landings) during the entire night period (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) is also capped.
3. Summer vs. Winter Schedule
- The specific number of movements allowed during the quota period changes between the summer (late March to late October) and winter seasons.
Key Exceptions and Practical Implications:
- Delays: Aircraft that are significantly delayed due to circumstances outside the airline’s control (e.g., severe weather, air traffic control issues) may be permitted to land after the curfew begins. These are known as “delayed arrivals” and are a major point of contention with local communities.
- Freight Flights: A limited number of night-time slots are allocated for cargo operations.
- Diversions: In rare cases, aircraft may divert to Gatwick due to emergencies or issues at other airports, even during the curfew hours.
Comparison to Other Airports:
- Stricter than Heathrow: Gatwick’s ban on scheduled movements between 11:30 PM and 4:30 AM is more restrictive than Heathrow, which has some scheduled arrivals during its night period.
- Less Strict than Some: It is not as absolute as the curfew at