THE views of Northwich residents are being sought ahead of proposed flight path changes at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The airport – based in Speke – is running a 12-week consultation as it seeks to modernise its airspace in line with the rest of the UK to replace existing ground-based navigation beacons with a satellite system.

Flights into LJLA commonly land from the east on Runway 27. Journeys from the south are directed into the airport taking a route north east from Chester to Sandiway, straightening up to head north over Acton Bridge before a final approach over Runcorn.

The proposed changes include a similar path, starting from a marker known as ‘VEGUN’ near Buckley in Flintshire.

Northwich Guardian:

Proposed approach into Liverpool John Lennon Airport

A consultation document said: “VEGUN is a position approximately nine miles south west of Chester and will be used by aircraft arriving at LJLA from the south.

“Aircraft will route in a north easterly direction to join the approach procedure from the south.

“Aircraft will need to be at 3,000 ft by the time it passes south of Chester, in order to deconflict from aircraft taking off from Manchester Airport.”

Public information events will take place at the airport on Wednesday, February 12 and Saturday, March 7, with representatives on hand to discuss the potential impact of any proposed changes.

Northwich Guardian:

Existing activity over Northwich on approach (red) to Liverpool John Lennon Airport

This consultation is the latest stage in a process that started for LJLA more than two years ago, with the airport hoping to implement changes if approved within the next 2 years.

John Irving, CEO, said, “This consultation gives the airport the opportunity to share its thoughts with various stakeholders across parts of north west England and north Wales and to seek feedback from communities regarding the various flight path changes being proposed.

“We hope that people will get involved with this consultation so that they can have their say on this important issue and help to shape the use of the airspace in this part of the UK.”

A 12-week consultation will last until noon on Thursday, April 9 and can also be viewed online at liverpoolairport.com/airspacechange