Noise reduction at source (aircraft)

• Brussels Airport has a tariff structure in which the noisiest aircraft pay three times more than the quietest ones. In this way the airport operator encourages airlines to use low noise aircraft at Brussels Airport. If the flights take place at night, airlines pay an additional three times more for a departing flight and 2.25 times more for a landing flight. 
  
• Aircraft are becoming ever quieter and more energy efficient, thanks to technological progress. Increasing numbers of airlines are taking this into account when purchasing new aircraft. 
  

Town & country planning and management

• The area around Brussels Airport has become ever more densely populated over the decades. The airport intends to collaborate with the competent regional and municipal authorities on an active town & country planning policy on additional homes in the zones that experience most of the noise pollution. 
  

Operational measures to limit noise pollution

In the air

• Since 2012, aircraft can land in accordance with the 'continuous descent operations' principle, a constant-angle descent with reduced engine power, producing significantly less noise and CO2. 
  

On the ground

• Engine test runs are carried out in a central position at the airport, as far away as possible from the areas of habitation. 
  
• The airport limits taxiing time, so that aircraft engines don't need to run so long. This not only reduces noise pollution, but CO2 emissions as well. Brussels Airport is co-operating with the various parties concerned in this regard. 
  
• After parking, aircraft must cut all (auxiliary) engines and switch to 400 Hz power supply provided at the stand.

Open dialogue with those in our surroundings

• Brussels Airport communicates in an open and transparent way with neighbouring residents. For this purpose, the airport uses various channels, including letters to residents living in the immediate vicinity and the magazine Connect for those who live further away (range: 1.2 million people). 
  
• The website www.batc.be provides information about the flight traffic to and from Brussels Airport. The visitor will find information there about the runways in use at that moment, as well as the flight routes and noise measurements on and around the airport. 
  
• Other topics that residents are interested in include the environmental measures which the airport takes and the mobility solutions that the airport can provide. All this information is available on the company website of Brussels Airport www.brusselsairport.be. The airport also communicates via social media and the press on these topics. 
  
• Forum 2040: In relation to its Strategic Vision 2040, Brussels Airport has initiated an open, structured dialogue in which people living in the neighbourhood, municipalities, companies and experts are involved.