Aircraft Noise Pollution.

Many people who live near airports feel disturbed by aircraft noise. Noise can be bothersome, but it can also negatively affect health. For this reason, people who live in close proximity to an airport need special protection. In Germany, it is the responsibility of the aviation industry to take and implement measures for noise protection. The aviation invests billions annually in active and passive noise control.

Active Noise Abatement

Active noise control is particularly effective in shielding people from the impact of aircraft noise. It means reducing noise at its source, namely the aircraft itself. The aviation industry continuously works on this and invests billions in new aircraft and retrofitting the existing fleet. Through quieter engines, innovative aircraft technologies, and optimized takeoff and landing procedures, aircraft have become significantly quieter.

The noise emissions of the latest generation of aircraft are 88 percent lower than those of fleets from 60 years ago. By 2050, the noise level of new aircraft is expected to decrease by 65 percent compared to new aircraft from the year 2000. This corresponds to a reduction of 15 decibels. This target has been outlined by the European Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe (ACARE) in its strategy paper Flightpath 2050.

Passive Noise Abatement

Although significant progress has been made in active noise protection in recent years and decades, aircraft noise pollution cannot be completely avoided through new aircraft technologies and innovative flight procedures. To protect people severely affected by aircraft noise from potential health impacts, the German aviation industry also invests in passive noise abatement.

Passive noise protection refers to structural measures that reduce noise where it is experienced. Additionally, people living in legally defined noise protection zones are entitled to reimbursement for the necessary noise protection measures, such as costs for soundproof windows and other protective measures.

German airports have invested around 115 billion euros in passive noise protection measures between 1975 and 2022. Airports are also prepared to continue investing large sums in noise protection in the future.