Noise disruption for those living under the flight paths at Heathrow could be reduced if the aircraft came in to land at a steeper angle, according to the head of air traffic control.
Richard Deakin, chief executive of National Air Traffic Services (NATS), said the height of aircraft passing over some southwest London suburbs could double under such a landing regime, reports the Sunday Times.
One airline, Emirates, estimates that steeper descents into Heathrow would reduce noise by between 15%-20%.
Aircraft currently descend into Heathrow at an angle of 3 degrees, flying at about 1,600ft as they pass over the suburb of Richmond.
NATS is working on a proposal to increase the approach angle to 5.5 degrees.
If adopted, aircraft would pass over Richmond at 3,000ft, reducing noise.
The steeper descent would not increase noise levels for those who live nearer the airport and is already in place at London City.
NATS CEO Richard Deakin is to give evidence to the Transport Select Committee today on runway capacity in the South East.
