ACI EUROPE urges fair and consistent application of Noise Balanced Approach

ACI EUROPE has reiterated its call to the European Commission and European Member States to effectively and consistently adhere to the internationally agreed Noise Balanced Approach framework for managing aircraft noise, as set out by ICAO and EU law.

The EU Noise Balanced Approach Regulation establishes a legally binding, step‑by‑step process for managing aircraft noise at airports. Through the process, competent authorities must holistically assess noise alongside a robust socio-economic and cost‑effectiveness assessment. Only where these measures have proven insufficient may operating restrictions at airports be considered – and strictly as a last resort.

However, some EU Member States have failed to properly follow the Approach – with Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General, commenting: ‘Not only is the implementation of the Balanced Approach inconsistent across the EU – but several countries have recently simply disregarded it. They have looked at introducing operating restrictions which limit the use of available airport capacity without considering other ways of reducing noise exposure and have also by‑passed the cost effectiveness assessments mandated by the EU Regulation. In doing so, 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.’

ACI EUROPE has produced a comprehensive analysis and set of recommendations, published in response to the European Commission’s evaluation of the Regulation and in anticipation of a wider public consultation.

Find out more in our Press Release, including the Position Paper, here.