What’s new in the world of airports? Well, the report from the Airport Noise Control Authority (Acnusa) has just been released, and it sheds important light on how noise disturbances are evolving in our skies. While it can be said that the year 2024 was marked by a reduction in noise violations, there remains a shadow on the horizon: nighttime noise. While efforts are being made to calm the surrounding areas, residents of certain cities continue to suffer the consequences of nighttime flights. So let’s explore this theme in more detail!
Airports: decrease in noise disturbances in 2024
The Acnusa report is partially pleasing for residents living near airports. Indeed, it demonstrates a significant decrease of 13.5% in violations compared to 2023, indicating a real improvement in compliance with noise standards by airlines. The anecdote of the day would be that these violations are down by almost a third compared to 2022. This shows that something is evolving in the practices of airlines. But, of course, like any good serial that respects itself, a twist was expected…
An alarming situation at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry and Marseille-Provence
Not so simple for all airports, it must be said. Let’s take the example of Lyon Airports and Marseille-Provence Airport, which stand out with a worrying increase in violations. In 2024, Lyon-Saint-Exupéry recorded six times more exceedances of noise thresholds than the previous year. Indeed, this translated to 123 violations in 2024 compared to 20 in 2023. Air France and other airlines must take this situation in hand. The question arises: what is happening in these airports to provoke such an increase in violations?
To try to identify the causes of this saga, several leads can be put forward:
- The unexpected: Delays on daytime flights leading to nighttime landings 🕔.
- An increase in the number of flights: More passengers, more traffic ✈️.
- Weather issues: Bad weather conditions forcing late departures and landings 🌧️.
No doubt, this would confirm that there is still work to be done to achieve a balance. Residents of these airports should not feel wronged as the landscape evolves, that’s the entire challenge of the Acnusa.
| Airport | Violations 2024 | Violations 2023 | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon-Saint-Exupéry | 123 | 20 | +515% |
| Marseille-Provence | High to confirm | To monitor | To confirm |
| Paris Airports | Noted decrease | To confirm | Improvement |
Night flights: a puzzle to solve
Night flights continue to be the heart of the matter. They account for 75% of noise disturbances, a real headache for Acnusa. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the punctuality issues of the airlines. When planes that were supposed to land during the day do so instead at late hours, it creates a tricky situation for residents who cannot sleep peacefully 💤.
Solutions to consider for calming the nights
To address this situation, several solution pathways are under consideration. For example, implementing flight restrictions during certain time slots could offer a welcome respite to residents. Many cities, like Amsterdam with its Schiphol Airport, follow this approach. But what else could be considered? Here are a few ideas:
- Intensification of controls during nighttime hours 🌜.
- Encouraging airlines to schedule flights to avoid late slots 🗓️.
- Creation of resident consultation committees to engage with companies 🗣️.
Promising initiatives are emerging with pilot projects for nighttime calming. It is impossible to overlook the suggestions of Acnusa, which has plenty of ideas to improve the situation. For example, adjusting airport taxes could incentivize airlines to adhere better to schedules. This has already been working well at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, for instance 🎉.
| Proposals | Details |
|---|---|
| Nocturnal flight restrictions | Limit nighttime takeoffs/landings |
| Schedule planning | Favor compatible flight schedules |
| Consultation committees | Direct dialogue with residents |
Towards a more environmentally friendly aviation
For sustainable aviation, Acnusa does not hesitate to refine its working methods. 2024 has been the year of order, clarity, and actions on the ground. With the methodological guide on noise measures, there is reason to rejoice. This guide aims to improve operators’ understanding of the standards at airports 🏢. The report thus positions itself as an essential tool for a collective mindset change.
New chances for success in 2026
Already, several work areas are emerging for the future. Improving procedures will allow for more responsive and effective sanctioning actions. We also hope for a standardization of noise measurement methods across all airports, whether in Toulouse, Bordeaux, or elsewhere. This will require the commitment of key stakeholders in the aviation sector. One can only emphasize the importance of partnerships between airports and all stakeholders, including airlines, so that they feel invested in the process 🚀.
Airports of tomorrow must truly consider an open approach aimed at establishing a balance between air activity and residents’ well-being; this can only happen through dialogue. It is possible to continue the positive evolution, but measures must be put in place and respected. Who knows, maybe in a few years, the sky will be less noisy, and that certainly won’t harm our public health! 💚
| Work area | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overview of the methodological guide | Measures of air disturbances |
| Engagement of stakeholders | Key partnerships between airports and airlines |
| Creation of homogeneous standards | Common standards to reduce disturbances |
FAQ on airport noise disturbances
Q1: What is ACNUSA?
A: ACNUSA is the Airport Noise Control Authority, which regulates and monitors noise disturbances from airports.
Q2: Which airports are most affected by noise pollution?
A: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry and Marseille-Provence are currently experiencing alarming increases in violations.
Q3: What solutions are being considered to reduce nighttime noise disturbances?
A: The establishment of nighttime flight restrictions and consultation committees with residents are serious avenues.
Q4: What are the fines for noise disturbances?
A: Fines imposed on airlines can exceed millions of euros, serving as leverage to encourage better behavior.
Q5: What innovations are on the horizon for Acnusa?
A: The implementation of a methodological guide for noise measurement is planned for 2026, aiming to improve airport practices.
