Hodder had suggested new aircraft that have a noise level of 87 dB or less should not be included in the summertime night cap figures.
The airport applied to the council for a certificate of lawful existing use or development (CLEUD) that would allow the quieter aircraft to remain outside the night quota.
Leeds City Council approved the application and confirmed a further 941 night flights per year were also permitted by quieter aircraft.
The authority said the decision was based on UK planning law and an assessment of the airport’s flight records over a 10-year period.
The authority did stop short of allowing an unlimited number of flights by quieter aircraft, however.
GALBA said they were “pleased” the request for an unlimited number of flights was blocked.
However, they added they “strongly disagree” with the additional 941 planes being able to fly at night over the year.
The campaigners have sent a legal letter to the council asking them to reconsider their decision and are exploring options to challenge the ruling.
Nick Hodgkinson, chair of GALBA, said: “Obviously, it is disappointing that the council has allowed the CLEUD but it’s a mixed decision.
“The good news is that they did not allow unlimited nighttime flying at LBA – that is what the airport wanted and they failed.”
Hodder added that the framework for the rules should be reconsidered going forward.
“Rather than operate in a world where we are trying to make a 1994 Planning Commission fit into a modern airport operating environment, I would rather get a new set of rules that actually work for a modern airport environment.
“So there are appropriate limits in place that allow for expansion and growth of the airport, that protect the noise exposure of residents around the airport, and that the council is able to administer and monitor our behaviour under a set of rules that make sense.”