Dunfermline residents are the latest in Fife to raise concerns about Edinburgh Airport’s flight path changes.
Airport representatives attended a public meeting in Dunfermline City Chambers to outline proposals and hear views of people in the town.
Councillor Helen Law, who chairs City of Dunfermline area committee and helped arrange the meeting, said: “It was clear that while there are many concerns from the coastal villages about the possibility of increased noise and emissions, there are also many concerns from the residents of Dunfermline.
“Local folk felt they were seeing an increase in traffic in the skies above. They were therefore keen to receive as much information as possible about proposed changes.
“The airport has increased passenger numbers and are keen to grow the business further.
“It is without doubt the airport sustains thousands of jobs and brings a substantial gain to the local economy.
“It is also without doubt that there are concerns about the implications for our area.
“I look forward to the continuing dialogue with the airport and the follow up consultation promised for the end of the year.”
With the number of passengers using the airport expected to rise from 12 million to 15 million by 2025, flight paths into the airport are being changed to accommodate extra traffic.
Air routes, which currently rely on radio beacons and technology dating back to the 1950s, are being modernised and switched to more accurate RNAV.
Among those at the meeting in Dunfermline was Captain Ronnie Cowan, who as well as being a commercial pilot involved in aerial surveys, also chairs Townhill Community Council.
Mr Cowan said aircraft were prohibited from flying at less than 4,100 feet when travelling over Fife because of the region’s terrain.
And he said he was not concerned about the impact any potential changes would have on Fife.
“It’s far too early to comment on proposed routes,” he said.
“But the current routes do not affect people in Fife.
“It would have more of a bearing on anyone between Crammond and Livingston, which are the potential climbing areas.
“The airfield has to operate commercially.”
He added that he had no ties to the airport.
Also at the meeting were Fife Council’s Depute Leader Lesley Laird, Depute Provost Kay Morrison and Councillor Dave Dempsey.
Gordon Robertson from Edinburgh Airport said: “The meeting in Dunfermline, and each of 16 community engagement meetings we have spoken at in Fife, West Lothian, Falkirk and Edinburgh throughout the consultation, was extremely valuable for us, enabling us to meet and to listen to the views of local people.”
