ACI EUROPE urges consistent application of EU Noise Balanced Approach rules

ACI EUROPE has reiterated its call for the European Commission and EU Member States to consistently apply the internationally agreed Noise Balanced Approach framework for managing aircraft noise, as established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and embedded in EU law.

The industry body issued the appeal in response to the European Commission’s evaluation of the EU Noise Balanced Approach Regulation and ahead of a broader public consultation. The Regulation sets out a legally binding, step by step process requiring authorities to assess three primary pillars before considering operating restrictions.

These pillars include reduction at source through quieter aircraft and fleet renewal, land use planning and management measures such as zoning and noise insulation programmes, and operational procedures including optimised flight paths and preferential runway use. A comprehensive socio economic and cost effectiveness assessment must accompany these measures. Only where such actions prove insufficient may operating restrictions be introduced, and strictly as a last resort.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said: “If Europe is serious about restoring its competitiveness and boosting its economy, it must be able to fully capitalise on its airport infrastructure. This means making the most of available capacity to safeguard and develop its connectivity within well defined and realistic noise containment objectives – and this is precisely what the EU Noise Balanced Approach Regulation is about.”

He warned that implementation has become inconsistent across the bloc, with some countries introducing or considering operating restrictions without fully assessing alternative mitigation measures or conducting the mandated cost effectiveness evaluations.

European airports continue to implement operational noise abatement procedures including continuous descent operations, performance based navigation and optimised runway usage. Airports are also incentivising airlines to deploy quieter aircraft through differential charging structures designed to accelerate fleet renewal.

According to projections from the European Environment Agency, the number of people highly annoyed by aircraft noise in the EU is expected to decline by 32% by 2030, reflecting the impact of technological and operational improvements.

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.”

ACI EUROPE argues that safeguarding connectivity, economic competitiveness and regional development requires balanced and legally compliant noise management aligned with EU legislation.

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