A EUROPEAN Court of Human Rights ruling on night flights could prove a disaster if implemented by the Government, the region's airports have warned.

The ruling yesterday found that the rights of residents living near London's Heathrow Airport had been infringed by allowing overnight flights.

The court said that only limited research had been carried out into the impact of increased night flights - classed to be between 11.30pm and 6.30am.

Experts say that although the ruling is not binding on the UK Government it may be forced to adopt new rules to address the issue.

It could also open the way for individual groups, facing sleepless nights, to bring their own cases against particular airports.

John Waiting, a spokesman for Teesside International Airport, said any attempt to ban or restrict night flights could have a "serious impact".

It has about a dozen scheduled passenger night flights a week during the summer months. He said: "Jobs could go, and the profitability of the airlines, who would lose revenue, would be affected."

Newcastle Airport declined to say how many night flights left from its runways, but said it was concerned about the judgement.

A spokeswoman said that if the Government was to develop policies based on the European ruling it must take into account local issues.

The ruling could prove another blow to the beleaguered aircraft industry which is still reeling from the terrorist attacks in America.

Councillor Doris Jones, of Middleton-St-George parish council, which has complained in the past about noise from Teesside Airport, said it was important a balance was struck.

She said: "A lot of people would welcome a ban on night flights I am sure, but it is also important the airport remains successful and continues to attract holiday flights."

A spokeswoman for the Government's transport, local government and the regions department said: "There will be no immediate changes to the present situation.

"We will study the judgement carefully and then we will have consider what steps we need to take next."

It is not thought the decision by the European court will affect police flights, which are generally exempt from such rulings.