Proposal on airport curfew

A PROPOSAL to extend Kai Tak airport's operating hours and an increase in the number of evening flights is expected to be announced by the Government within the next few weeks.

Talks between the Civil Aviation Department and the Environmental Protection Department are expected to result in a proposal being put before the five district boards most affected by airport noise.

Sources said plans were likely to suggest an extension of flights until 1 am, an hour past the current midnight curfew. In addition, the restriction on the number of movements per hour after 9 pm would be raised.

Although a curfew exists from midnight to 6.30 am, late flights are still allowed to land. On average, one flight per night encroaches on the curfew.

Movements are currently restricted to 29 per hour between 7 am and 9 pm.

Eastern District Board member Chan Tim-shing said members expected to meet Director of Civil Aviation Peter Lok Kung-nam on November 14, the day before the board meeting.