ACI EUROPE has reinforced its appeal to the European Commission and European Member States to consistently abide by the Noise Balanced Approach framework.
The regulation, set out by ICAO and EU law, aims to manage aircraft noise around airports by working across three key areas: reducing noise at the source by using quieter aircraft; implementing zoning regulations, building restrictions, and noise insulation programmes on land; and developing optimised flight paths and preferred runway use.
Importantly, the regulation states that these foundations should be assessed alongside economics and cost effectiveness, and discourages airport restrictions as a solution due to the socio-economic harm it could cause.
However, ACI EUROPE has criticised some airports of disregarding the regulation, while others are implementing the framework inconsistently. The body also claims that some countries are considering restrictions instead of other ways to reduce noise, and have neglected to conduct the cost effectiveness assessments.
“These countries are undermining the effectiveness of airport noise abatement efforts and compromising the economic and social benefits of air connectivity for their communities and regions,” says Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General.
Despite a lack of commitment by some member states, many other countries and airports are keen to adopt noise-reduction measures that also benefit the economy, and have done for many years. According to the European Environment Agency, with the current action taken by airports, the number of people considered to be “highly annoyed” by aircraft noise is predicted to decline by 32% by 2030.
Jankovec added: “Airports have been addressing aircraft noise proactively for decades as part of their sustainability strategies. The Balanced Approach Regulation – if applied correctly and consistently – can support these efforts, whereas blunt operating restrictions can only wreak havoc. The need to balance noise abatement with the socio‑economic role of airports is at the core of the policy recommendations we are publishing today and must be top of mind for all stakeholders through a consistent application of EU law.”
Photo: ACI EUROPE
