Heathrow has launched a new trial to test whether creating noise relief zones for communities under the flight path could ease disturbance for residents.

On average 17 flights arrive at the airport each morning between 4.30am-6am as air traffic controllers direct these aircraft to find the safest and most efficient arrival routes.

The Early Morning Noise Respite Trial will explore whether the flights, particularly at the beginning of their approach into Heathrow, can be routed in a way to give noise relief to residents living below.

The trial will work by defining two zones over each trial area that will be ‘active’ sequentially week by week.

Pilots will be directed by air traffic control to avoid flying through whichever zone is active for that particular week.

John Stewart chairman of Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN), said: "Periods of respite are very important for residents under the flight paths. We welcome this initiative."

Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s sustainability director, said: "A relatively small adjustment in terms of the flight path can have a big impact on those living underneath it."

The trial began on November 5 and will run for five months.