Useful documents and maps

Use this tile to view the recording of our webinar, or download the slides.

Noise Action Plan webinar recording 

If you weren&#39;t able to join us at our webinar, you can view the recording and download the slides using the buttons below. &nbsp;

Download the slides

 Check our Frequently Asked Questions to see if your query is answered. 

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

About the Noise Action Plan

Measuring noise

Noise mitigation proposals

About Glasgow Airport 

 Find out more about aircraft noise, and how it can be mitigated or reduced. 

Aircraft noise and effects

What is aircraft noise?&nbsp;Air noise from aircraft is created by aircraft arriving or departing from airports. It is generally caused by air passing over the aircraft&rsquo;s airframe (fuselage, wings and underframe) and noise from the engines. Engine noise is created by the sound of the engine&rsquo;s moving parts and by the sound of air being expelled from the engines at high speeds. The degree of noise generated varies according to aircraft type and size and the way in which the aircraft is flown.Aircraft manufactured today are generally much quieter than they have been in the past and there are increasingly stringent certification standards for aircraft noise emissions. As a result, the aircraft fleet operating to and from Glasgow Airport is becoming progressively quieter over time.&nbsp;In this Noise Action Plan we have also committed to undertake a review of our differential landing charges and other methods of incentivisation to determine if it would be viable to introduce additional measures at Glasgow Airport.

What is ground noise?&nbsp;Ground noise is any noise produced by aircraft whilst on the ground and is often related to the following activities:<ul><li>aircraft travelling (taxiing) between the runway and stands (where they park), including queuing;</li><li>aircraft at their stands with their auxiliary power units (APU) or ground power units (GPU) running; and</li><li>engine testing (ground running).</li></ul>Ground noise impacts tend to be limited to those areas closest to the airfield.Engines need to be tested for safety reasons, and engine running forms part of the maintenance programme for aircraft. We understand that this noise can cause disturbance to residents closest to the airfield and therefore we adopt strict measures to restrict the location, duration and time of day that engine ground running can occur. We do not allow engine ground running above ground during the night, unless required due to exceptional circumstances.We have introduced new actions in this Noise Action Plan to minimise noise from taxiing aircraft and the noise from aircraft APU/GPUs.In addition, we have introduced a new action to undertake noise monitoring of engine ground running to better understand its potential impact on our closest neighbours.&nbsp;We will use the information for this monitoring to review our ground running policies and investigate potential further control measures.

How is noise measured?&nbsp;Measuring sound and describing its impacts or effects is a complex process. Noise is defined as unwanted sound and some individuals find noise more disruptive than others.The key metrics used in the Noise Action Plan are summarised below, but we use additional metrics in quantifying noise at Glasgow Airport.The most common international measure of environmental noise is the LAeq, meaning &lsquo;equivalent continuous sound level&rsquo;. This is a measurement of the total sound energy over a period of time. It is easiest to think of this as an average, but important to note that all the sound energy in the time period is captured by this metric.In the UK, daytime aircraft noise is typically measured by calculating the equivalent continuous sound level in decibels (dB) over 16 hours (07:00 to 23:00) to give a single daily figure (LAeq,16h).&nbsp;Night-time aircraft noise is most typically measured over an eight-hour night period (23:00 to 07:00).&nbsp;For Noise Action Plans, the Environmental Noise (Scotland) 2006 regulations (as amended) require LAeq to be calculated over a full calendar year.Separate assessment for day and night recognises that daytime and night-time noise can lead to quite different effects (principally daytime annoyance and night-time sleep disturbance) and thus it is better to define and measure daytime and night-time noise separately.The day evening night equivalent sound level (Lden) noise metric is a 24 hour noise metric that applies a 5 dB(A) penalty to noise during the evening (19:00 to 23:00) and a 10 dB(A) penalty to noise during the night (23:00 to 07:00), reflecting relatively higher sensitivity to noise during these periods.This metric is used in this Noise Action Plan.&nbsp;

Use the button below to download a copy of the Aircraft noise and effects section

<a data-uw-rm-brl="false" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/framework/step1" style="text-decoration: none;
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This section sets out the framework for developing the Plan, including the guidelines to be followed.

Framework for developing the Plan

Framework

The Noise Action Plan sets out our proposal to manage and, where feasible, reduce the effects of aviation noise.&nbsp;We recognise that aircraft noise is an important issue for local communities, and we support the Government&rsquo;s overarching aviation noise policy to limit, and where possible, reduce total adverse effects on health and quality of life from aviation noise.This requires balancing the positive social and economic benefits provided by Glasgow Airport with any adverse effects on local communities.This Noise Action Plan builds upon decades of progress in developing mitigation measures in consultation with our neighbours and stakeholders and importantly includes updates and enhancements to our current noise mitigation measures.Mitigation and management of aircraft noise is heavily informed by national and international initiatives and regulation imposed by:<ul><li>The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)*;</li><li>The UK Government;</li><li>Local authorities; and</li><li>Glasgow Airport itself.</li></ul>*ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations, created to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection.

Use the button below to download a copy of the Legal and Government policy framework section

ICAO and the 'Balanced Approach'

ICAO recognises that aircraft noise is the most significant cause of adverse community reaction related to the operation and expansion of airports and it requires all its member states to adhere to an approach to managing aircraft noise known as the &lsquo;Balanced Approach&rsquo;. The Balanced Approach (see image below) aims to address noise management in an environmentally responsive and economically responsible way, and encompasses four principal elements:<ol><li>Reduction of noise at source;</li><li>Land-use planning and management;</li><li>Noise abatement operational procedures; and</li><li>Operating restrictions on aircraft.</li></ol>Our Noise Action Plan embraces the Balanced Approach. As we recognise the importance of engagement with our local communities, we have added an additional pillar to the Balanced Approach, titled &lsquo;Noise Communication/Community Engagement&#39;. This is in alignment with the Sustainable Aviation Noise Roadmap.

<a data-uw-rm-brl="false" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/introduction/step1" style="text-decoration: none;
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Share your views on all of the proposals contained within the Noise Action Plan. 

Noise Action Plan Table

Noise Action Plan table

The section below outlines all of the proposals contained within our draft Noise Action Plan. At the end of this page, share your views with us on these proposals.&nbsp;The key proposals contained within Glasgow Airport&rsquo;s Noise Action Plan are to:<ul><li>Expand our Noise Insulation Scheme to benefit more residents affected by aircraft noise, exceeding current aviation noise policy.</li><li>Monitor off-track flights and allocate fines tothe Flight Path fund, supporting community groups and charities.</li><li>Enhance the complaints process with better trend analysis and respond to all complaints within 5 working days.</li><li>Improve our website content and annual reporting to offer better access to the right information.</li></ul>

Use the button below to download a copy of the Noise Action Plan table

To inform the proposals, we map noise levels and use this to create noise contours which inform the mitigation proposed. 

Results of the strategic noise mapping 

Use the button below to download a copy of the results of the strategic noise mapping section

<a data-uw-rm-brl="false" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/aircraft-noise-and-effects/step1" style="text-decoration: none;
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Find out more about the Noise Action Plan proposals and how you can have your say. 

Person thinking of questions

Summary and how to use this website

This section provides a summary of the proposals in the Noise Action Plan, and sets out how to use this website to share your feedback with us.

Glasgow Airport is currently seeking feedback on our Noise Action Plan, which sets out how we will manage and, where feasible, reduce the impact of aviation noise on our community.Noise Action Plans operate in five yearly cycles and so the proposed Noise Action Plan will update and replace the 2018-2023 Noise Action Plan.The consultation will run for 8 weeks, and once finalised following engagement with stakeholders and communities, the Noise Action Plan will operate from 2024-2028.At Glasgow Airport, we recognise that aircraft noise is an important issue for local communities. We support the Government&rsquo;s policy to limit and reduce aviation noise&rsquo;s adverse effects on health and quality of life, balancing this with the airport&rsquo;s social and economic benefits.&nbsp;We have updated our action plan to build on the progress made over the past five years, working proactively with stakeholders and local communities.This Noise Action Plan incorporates decades of progress and introduces enhancements to our current noise mitigation measures, developed in consultation with our neighbours and stakeholders.Glasgow Airport&rsquo;s Noise Action Plan takes into account noise from:<ul><li>Air noise from aircraft arriving or departing from airports;</li><li>Ground noise produced by aircraft whilst on the ground, including engine testing and taxiing.&nbsp;</li></ul> The key proposals contained within Glasgow Airport&rsquo;s Noise Action Plan are to:<ul><li>Expand our Noise Insulation Scheme to benefit more residents affected by aircraft noise, exceeding current aviation noise policy.</li><li>Monitor off-track flights and allocate fines to the Flight Path fund, supporting community groups and charities.</li><li>Enhance the complaints process with better trend analysis and respond to all complaints within 5 working days.</li><li>Improve our website content and annual reporting to offer better access to the right information.</li></ul>You can use the section below to read a full copy of the draft Noise Action Plan 2024-2028, or download a copy at the end of this page.

Share your viewsIf you&#39;re in a rush, the key areas we&#39;re specifically asking for your views on are listed below, and linked to the pages where you can share your views.&nbsp;There are 3 short surveys to complete on this website in total, and it should take you no more than a few minutes to complete them all.&nbsp;&nbsp;The key areas we want your views on are:<ol><li id="isPasted">Extending the existing Noise Insulation Scheme, making approximately 650 additional properties eligible for funding to insulate against aviation noise by lowering the criteria for the level of noise experienced.&nbsp;</li><li>Reviewing and improving&nbsp;the annual noise reporting process and noise webpage to continue to work transparently with our communities.&nbsp;</li><li>Your overall views on the Noise Action Plan table and the 25 actions proposed by Aberdeen Airport.&nbsp;</li></ol>The three surveys are on the below pages:&nbsp;<ol><li><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/noise-insulation-scheme/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Noise Insulation Scheme</a></li><li><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/noise-management/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Noise management</a></li><li><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/noise-action-plan-table/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Noise Action Plan table</a>&nbsp;</li></ol>

Use the button below to download a full copy of the draft Noise Action Plan. 

Answer the survey and find out more about the proposed expansion to our Noise Insulation Scheme. 

Noise Insulation Scheme 

We currently operate a Noise Insulation Scheme (NIS) to mitigate noise for communities most affected by aircraft noise in line with current aviation noise policy. The policy will provide a financial contribution towards noise insulation for residential properties, hospitals and schools within the 92-day summer average 63dBLAeq,16h contour.For more information about how this noise level is measured, please go to <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/aircraft-noise-and-effects/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aircraft noise and effects</a>.We arrange for assessments to be made of properties applying for the scheme to identify what, if any, insulation would be effective in achieving appropriate noise reduction. Examples of improvements that could be made are:<ul><li>Replacement/enhanced windows</li><li>Acoustic air vents or simple wall mounted ventilation systems</li><li>Loft insulation</li><li>Replacement/enhanced external doors</li></ul>The management of the NIS is overseen by the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC).&nbsp;<a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.glasgowairport.com/about-us/noise/noise-insulation-scheme-nis/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Full details of our current Noise Insulation Scheme can be accessed here.</a>As part of this Noise Action Plan we propose to extend the residential Noise Insulation Scheme to properties within the 92-day summer average 60dBLAeq,16h contour, going beyond aviation noise policy requirements. This would increase the approximate number of eligible properties dramatically - see below.&nbsp;<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary='{"Ott":{"FirstRow":{"BackgroundColor":{"Key":"ColoredTableHeading"},"Font":{"Name":"Arial","Size":8.5,"Bold":true,"Color":{"Key":"HeaderRowText"},"BulletColor":{"Key":"HeaderRowText"}}},"FitRowHeightPp":true,"ZeroMarginsWord":true,"BackgroundColor":{"Key":"BackgroundColor"},"Font":{"Name":"Times New Roman (Headings)","Size":9.0,"Bold":false,"Italic":false,"Underline":false,"Color":{"Key":"TableBody"},"BulletColor":{"Key":"TableBody"}},"Alignment":{"Horizontal":"Left","Vertical":"Center"},"Margin":{"Left":5.6692915,"Top":5.6692915,"Right":5.6692915,"Bottom":5.6692915},"Borders":{"Vertical":{"Color":{"Key":"BorderColor"},"BorderWeight":"Pt0_5","Type":"Solid","Visible":true},"Horizontal":{"Color":{"Key":"BorderColor"},"BorderWeight":"Pt0_5","Type":"Solid","Visible":true}}},"Ccs":{"TableBody":"Black","TableHeading":"230, 30, 40","ColoredTableHeading":"230, 30, 40","BandedGrey":"233, 233, 233","BorderColor":"44, 44, 45","BackgroundColor":"Transparent","HeaderRowText":"White"},"Cop":{"FirstRow":true,"LastRow":false,"FirstColumn":true,"LastColumn":false,"BandedRows":false,"BandedColumns":false},"Aaf":false}' width="100%"><thead><tr><td width="49.494949494949495%">Contour</td><td width="50.505050505050505%">Approximate number of eligible residential dwellings</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td width="49.494949494949495%">63dBLAeq,16h &ndash; current scheme</td><td valign="top" width="50.505050505050505%">&lt;5</td></tr><tr><td width="49.494949494949495%">60dBLAeq,16h &ndash; proposed extension</td><td valign="top" width="50.505050505050505%">650</td></tr></tbody></table>Extent of residential NIS eligibility contours based on 2023 data<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1722937212/projects/6644ada9840df1c84faa251d/slptgaub2vo7pkc7ophu.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Map showing the proposed new extent of the residential NIS eligibility contours based on 2023 data " style="width: 700px;">

Use the button below to download a copy of the noise management section that talks about the NIS scheme and the contour map shown above

Thank you!Please press &#39;Next&#39; to submit and continue to our additional short surveys.

Answer the survey about the noise management measures used.

Noise management at Glasgow Airport 

The sections below break down some of the key noise management procedures either currently used at Glasgow Airport or proposed as part of this draft Noise Action Plan. You can read the full section in the embedded PDF at the end of the page, and please share your views by completing the survey at the bottom of this page.&nbsp;There are different documents referenced throughout this page which you might find interesting once you have completed the surveys about the Noise Action Plan. These are available in the <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://glasgowairportnap.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/appendices/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Useful documents and mapping</a> section.&nbsp;

Use the buttons below to find out more about our noise management measures 

Use the buttom below to download a copy of the noise management section of the Draft Noise Action Plan

Annual Noise Report and survey 

Our Annual Noise Report is published each year on our website to transparently set out how we reduce and manage noise for our communities as much as we can.&nbsp;

Annual Noise Report

Our noise webpage and survey

A range of measures about how to track, monitor and complain about airport noise are set out on our website.&nbsp;

<h2>Useful documents and mapping information</h2>

Useful documents&nbsp;Use the sections below to access our mapping and financial appendices for the draft Noise Action, or download a full copy of this draft Noise Action Plan or our Annual Noise Report.

GLA Draft Noise Action Plan 2024-2028.pdf

GLA NAP Appendix A Noise Contour Maps.pdf

GLA NAP Appendix B Financial Information.pdf

GLA Annual Noise Report 2023.pdf

Document library

Helpful links&nbsp;<ul><li>The flight tracking software referenced in our Noise Management section is available at the following link: <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://volans.airportnetwork.com/?sitename=gla" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airport Flight Tracking Portal</a>.</li><li>Find more information about how we manage noise, and how to make a complaint on our <a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.glasgowairport.com/about-us/noise/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dedicated noise page</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Visit our website to access <a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.glasgowairport.com/about-us/sustainability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Glasgow Airport&#39;s Sustainability Strategy</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Download a copy of the&nbsp;<a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.sustainableaviation.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sustainable Aviation Roadmap.&nbsp;</a></li></ul>