Night flying restrictions

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Night flying restrictions or night-time curfews, [1] including night flight bans, are any regulations or legislation imposed by a governing body to limit the ground-perceived exposure to aircraft noise pollution during the night hours, when the majority of residents are trying to sleep. Such regulations may include restrictions to available flight paths, or prohibitions against takeoffs, or prohibitions against takeoffs and landings, or prohibitions against ground operations (engine runups or taxiing).

Contents

List

Europe

Example: Night flying restrictions at German airports, data from 2006 Nachtflugbeschraenkungen DE 2006.jpg
Example: Night flying restrictions at German airports, data from 2006

Several night flying restrictions including full night flight bans have been introduced in Europe in order to ensure that residents living near airports can sleep at night.

Oceania

Curfews are not as common at international airports in Oceania as they are in Europe, though some airports do still have curfews if they surround densely populated suburbs.

Australia

Curfews at Australian international airports
AirportState/territoryCurfew?Notes
Adelaide Flag of South Australia.svg  South Australia Yes (23:00 to 06:00) [6]
Brisbane Flag of Queensland.svg  Queensland NoCurfew proposed, [7] objected to by airport. [8] [9]
Cairns Flag of Queensland.svg  Queensland No [10]
Canberra Flag of the Australian Capital Territory.svg  Australian Capital Territory No [11]
Darwin International Airport Flag of the Northern Territory.svg  Northern Territory No [12]
Gold Coast Flag of Queensland.svg  Queensland Yes (23:00 to 06:00) [13]
Hobart Flag of Tasmania.svg  Tasmania No [14]
Melbourne Flag of Victoria (Australia).svg  Victoria No [15]
Newcastle Flag of New South Wales.svg  New South Wales Yes (22:00 to 06:00) [16]
Perth Flag of Western Australia.svg  Western Australia NoCurfew previously proposed, rejected multiple times. [17] [18] [19]
Sunshine Coast Flag of Queensland.svg  Queensland NoWhile there is no curfew at Sunshine Coast Airport, approval is required for aircraft to take off or land at the airport from 23:00 and 05:30. [20]
Sydney (Kingsford-Smith) Flag of New South Wales.svg  New South Wales Yes (23:00 to 06:00)Despite being the busiest airport in Oceania and a hub for the Asia-Pacific region, Sydney Airport has a curfew because it is located in the densely populated suburb of Mascot. [21]
Western Sydney Flag of New South Wales.svg  New South Wales NoWestern Sydney Airport is currently under construction. However, due to it being located away from densely populated suburbs, it will not have a curfew, unlike Sydney Airport, which does have a curfew. [22] [23]

New Zealand

Curfews at New Zealand international airports
AirportCurfew?Notes
Auckland No
Christchurch No [24]
Queenstown Yes (22:00 to 07:00) [25]
Wellington Yes (00:00 to 06:00)International arrivals allowed until 01:00. [26]

Environmental and community impact

Health

There are several studies examining the relationship between aviation noise at night and its effects on health and quality of life. The UK's ANNE study aims to provide insights into how nighttime aviation noise affects sleep disturbance among residents living near airports. Results from this study are expected to inform future regulations and help mitigate adverse effects on communities. [27] [28]

Economy

While night flights are crucial for maintaining global trade and passenger connectivity, their impact on local communities cannot be overlooked. Stakeholders argue for a balanced approach that considers both economic benefits and the well-being of residents affected by noise pollution. The US government has expressed concerns over potential reductions in night flight operations in Europe, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of economic implications. [29]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Night flight ban". Zurich Airport. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  2. "Budapest to Introduce Night Flight Ban in August". Hungary Today. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  3. 1 2 "Night flight bans put focus on noise management". Airport Business. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  4. AIP Germany. Version 06/16 (2016, May 26). AD 2 EDDF 1-16 (2.20.2.1.4).
  5. "DfT statement". UK Department for Transport .
  6. "Curfew Information". Adelaide Airport .
  7. "Greens announce bill to impose curfew on late nights flights from Brisbane Airport | Australian Greens". 6 September 2023.
  8. "Cost to regional Queensland of Brisbane caps & curfew".
  9. "Chapter3: Brisbane Airport" (PDF). Brisbane Airport (BNE).
  10. "Cairns Airport Guide". DriveNow.com.au.
  11. "Aircraft Noise". Canberra Airport .
  12. "Darwin International Airport Master Plan" (PDF). Darwin International Airport . 2017.
  13. "Faq's - Gold Coast Airport".
  14. "About us". Hobart Airport .
  15. "Airlines". Melbourne Airport .
  16. "Newcastle Airport | Itinerant aircraft".
  17. "Perth Airport does NOT need a curfew — and here's why". 21 May 2015.
  18. "Airport curfew will damage WA economy". 2 July 2018.
  19. "Perth YPPH Air Traffic Operations" (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology - Australian Government.
  20. "Managing noise impacts at Sunshine Coast Airport".
  21. Opening Hours Sydney Airport
  22. Western Sydney Aerotropolis flight paths unfair councils say ABC News
  23. "FAQs | Western Sydney International Airport".
  24. "Mitigating the Impact of Noise - Christchurch Airport". www.christchurchairport.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  25. "Aviation Services & Charges". Queenstown Airport. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  26. "Airport noise". www.wellingtonairport.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  27. "Government launches consultation into the next UK night flight regime". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  28. "Night flight restrictions: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports from October 2025". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  29. "Night Flight Restrictions at European Airports Impacting Cargo". www.trade.gov. September 11, 2024. Retrieved November 17, 2024.