European aviation leaders unite in Athens to defend fair, legal process for airport noise regulation

European airports and airlines, represented by Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE), Airlines for Europe (A4E), and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), have jointly launched the Athens Declaration & Call for Action. The Declaration demands consistent enforcement of the ICAO Balanced Approach to managing aircraft noise, as required by EU Regulation 598/2014.

European aviation faces crucial challenges over airport noise regulation enforcement

Unveiled at the 35th ACI EUROPE Annual Congress & General Assembly in Athens, the Declaration highlights growing concern over national governments implementing operating restrictions at airports without following legal frameworks. These unilateral decisions risk damaging Europe’s air connectivity, disrupting the Single EU Aviation Market, and undermining global competitiveness.

The Athens Declaration urges the European Commission, EU Member States, and national governments to:

• Fully enforce EU Regulation 598/2014 in all stages of the Balanced Approach.
• Provide clear guidance and monitor compliance to avoid inconsistent, politically driven decisions.
• Promote land use planning that prevents residential development in airport noise zones.
• Recognise that sustainability, noise management, and connectivity must be tackled collectively.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said:
“Airports have been addressing aircraft noise proactively for decades, as part of their sustainability strategies… But the fact that some Governments have started not to respect global standards and European law as regards noise management is an extremely serious concern, as it also appears to reflect an unjustified focus on aviation noise when compared to noise emissions coming from other transport modes. Ultimately, what is at stake is not just our sector, but Europe’s competitiveness and global position.”

Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E, added:
“The balanced approach ensures all possible measures to reduce airport noise are evaluated fairly and transparently… A4E will continue to advocate for noise mitigation efforts that are fair, effective and proportionate.”

Montserrat Barriga, Director General of ERA, commented:
“Regional airlines are lifelines for Europe’s smaller communities… These sudden and uncoordinated operating restrictions, imposed without proper adherence to the Balanced Approach, disproportionately harm regional carriers and the communities they serve.”

The Declaration seeks to protect regional connectivity, uphold legal processes, and ensure that noise management decisions remain balanced and evidence-based.

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