Night time operations at Bristol Airport are controlled by a noise quota system. The restrictions specify a night period (23.00-07.00) during which time the noisiest types of aircraft may not be scheduled to land or take off.
In addition, between 23.30 and 06.00, the night quota period, aircraft movements are restricted by a noise quota limit. Aircraft count against the noise quota according to their quota count (QC) classification.
The quota count itself is related to the noise classification of aircraft as set out in a formal notice published by the CAA on a regular basis. The quota limits are set on a seasonal basis, defined by the period of British Summer Time. The summer season is therefore about seven months long for which a quota count limit of 1,260 applies. The winter season is about five months long for which a current quota count limit of 900 applies. In addition there are limits on the number of take-offs and landings during the night period.
The night flying restrictions are set out in conditions attached to the 2011 planning permission for development of the Airport.
Statistics relating to aircraft movements during the night period are reported to North Somerset Council and the Airport Consultative Committee. For further details see the Operations Monitoring Report.