A row emerged today after it was revealed Aberdeen airport is planning to lift strict curfew rules to let Elton John fly out of the city immediately after a concert.

Planning officials will allow the aircraft to take off from Aberdeen Airport at 11.30pm on June 18, 2004, after Elton plays his only Scottish date at the city’s Pittodrie Stadium.

But other politicians in Aberdeen say the council and airport’s “special treatment” of the superstar is ridiculous, and that he should be made to catch a flight the next day.

Restrictions at the airport mean aircraft are normally not allowed to take off after 11pm or land after 11.30pm.

City planning convener Councillor Scott Cassie, who approved the request, said today it was perfectly reasonable that a man of Elton John’s stature should be allowed to fly.

“I was asked if I could extend the take-off time, and I said yes,” said Mr Cassie. “It means that Elton can play on a bit and not rush away to get an early flight. Getting someone of that stature up to Aberdeen is a coup and it is only reasonable that we try to accommodate him.”

But fellow councillor Kevin Stewart said Elton should stay in a hotel on Friday night. “My view is simple: The curfew should not be disposed of to allow one individual, no matter who that individual is, the opportunity to fly out. There should not be special treatment – I think it is ridiculous. Elton John should be no different to anyone else and the rules should apply.”

Director of operations at Aberdeen Airport, Peter Noyce, said: “We are always extremely careful that we adhere to the agreed operational criteria for the airport, but this is a one-off event involving one of the world’s leading entertainers and tens of thousands of fans and ourselves and the city agree we should do what we can to help.”

An airport spokesman said the request to lift the curfew had come from the aircraft handling agent.

Elton John’s chartered plane is expected to be a 49-seater Embraer 145 jet.

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