Changes to flight paths from Heathrow and London City airports could cut the number of people affected by noise by a fifth, the firm that manages England's air traffic says.

National Air Traffic Services has put forward plans to rearrange flight paths from Heathrow and London City airport, saying it needs deal with an increase in flights.

Operations director Ian Hall said the two airports had grown over the decades since the last rearrangement, with London City has grown from "virtually nothing" since the early 1990.

The changes would reduce by 20 per cent the number of people affected by noise from departing planes flying below 4,000ft but flights would not be cut.

The new flight paths could be in place by spring next year if they get Civil Aviation Authority approval.

Nats says it will hold a 13-week consultation with people and organizations west London.