Communities around our airports are affected by noise from aircraft taxiing, landing and taking off. Aircraft noise can be particularly disturbing for people at night.

Today’s aircraft are significantly quieter than those 30 years ago. However, noise reductions have to some extent been offset by the growth in overall air traffic. Aircraft manufacturers believe that further noise reductions can be achieved, but the likely expansion of airport capacity will mean that communities will continue to be affected by noise.

In the UK, aircraft noise is measured by calculating the average noise level in decibels (dB) over 16 hours, to give a single, daily figure. The Government calls this average decibel measurement ‘LAeq’. It means ‘equivalent continuous noise level’ and is the most common international measure of aircraft noise.

The UK Government believes that communities start being significantly annoyed by aircraft noise above 57dB LAeq. They use this as the starting point when developing policy on aircraft noise.

Our approach
We recognise that noise is a significant concern for people living near our airports. Minimising the impact of aircraft noise, wherever possible, is therefore an important priority for BAA Scotland.

To achieve this, BAA works closely with airlines and aircraft manufacturers to promote the manufacture and use of quieter aircraft and engines. At a local level, BAA Scotland offers lower landing charges for quieter aircraft and has banned so-called ‘chapter 2’ aircraft, which are amongst the noisiest. Certain chapter 3 aircraft are also subject to higher landing charges.

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports operate a noise and track keeping system to track flight movements. The system allows airport teams to pin-point the position and height of arriving and departing aircraft and allows operators to monitor any aircraft that deviate from established flight paths.

Data from ground based noise monitoring equipment is fed into the noise and track keeping system and can also assess whether an aircraft has breached UK Government thresholds. Airlines that breach agreed noise limits can be subject to a fine of up to £2000.

We have also made it easier for local residents to voice concerns about aircraft noise, with dedicated teams on hand to provide a rapid response.