Prague Airport Is Restricting the Negative Effects of Noise Associated with Increased Air Traffic

“Air traffic over all of Europe, including Prague Airport, has been increasing and it is our obligation to respond to this growth by taking appropriate measures. Therefore, we have decided to gradually adopt such measures that will help us to ensure the long-term effective regulation of noise pollution at night. There is a set of specific regulatory steps, both short- and mid-term, that we have started to discuss with key public administration bodies and airlines. Next, we will also discuss them with representatives from the neighboring municipalities,” says Václav Řehoř, Prague Airport CEO. One of the key measures will be decreasing the number of night flights and stricter regulation of delayed flights that might otherwise increase the amount of night noise pollution.

“We see addressing the greater amount of noise pollution due to heavier air traffic over Europe as one of our more crucial priorities. Therefore, in the future, we will work closely with Airport Prague on technical and operating measures to prevent greater levels of noise pollution. One such step is a measure to minimize the negative impacts associated with European-wide air traffic regulations,” says Jan Klas, Director General of the Air Navigation Service of the Czech Republic.

“As a regulator, we are supporting future steps taken by Prague Airport in terms of noise pollution sustainability. One step could include imposing stricter sanctions for breaching airport slots, stronger enforcement of these slots and providing ongoing support for the use of quieter aircraft,” says Vítězslav Hezký from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic.

“I value good relationships with our neighboring villages and I have made the commitment to listen to their complaints and requests. We made the decision to adopt new measures as a responsible neighbor with respect to the quality of life and health of the people who live near the airport. We believe that taking a responsible attitude towards our neighboring municipalities is an integral part of our present and future operations,” adds Řehoř, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport.

Prague Airport started to regulate night traffic more strictly in the spring of 2018, when a new price list for noise fees came into force. Under the new price list, take-offs and landings by noisier aircraft during night hours are subject to significantly higher fees. The measure has already motivated carriers to use quieter aircraft, especially at night, or to fly them during the day. In terms of noise levels, the airport has also been positively encouraging airlines with the Quietest Airline contest, which has been running since 2006.

All changes related to night traffic regulation are important steps towards fulfilling a sustainable business strategy, which is one part of Prague Airport´s long-term development plan.