Residents say their sleep is disturbed by noisy planes

The government has been consulting about current restrictions on flights between 2330 BST and 0600 BST.

Residents whose sleep is disturbed by aircraft noise want the flights to be reduced but fear airlines and airport operator BAA will push for an increase.

MPs will be among those addressing a rally in Westminster on Monday evening.

After a year-long consultation process, ministers could decide to increase, reduce or maintain the current limits on night flights.

We support action to reduce night noise impact Mark Mann BAA

Campaigners fear there will be an increase in night flights at Heathrow and Stansted.

Gatwick campaigners believe that although the government does not intend to increase night flights there, BAA does.

Brendon Sewill, chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, told BBC News: "What we are worried about at Gatwick is that both BAA, who own the airport, and the airlines at Gatwick are putting a lot of pressure on the government to increase the number of night flights and we are determined to resist that."

BAA spokesman Mark Mann said they wanted to maintain the "status quo" at Heathrow and a small cut to proposed limitations on night flights at Gatwick.

At Stansted he said they were content with the government's plans - but said they should meet the needs of the second runway planned for the Essex airport over the next decade.

He told BBC London BAA preferred to tackle the issue of aircraft "at source", by reducing engine noise, "improving operations" and looking at noise insulation schemes and compensation.