For those living near airports or under flight paths, aircraft noise can be a real challenge. We are actively working with the community, industry, and all levels of government to find better ways to better manage and reduce its impact.

Our approach to noise management focuses on continuous improvement, working across all airport operations, infrastructure and developing partnerships with others responsible for managing aircraft noise to help better manage the impact of noise.

This includes:

• Supporting the introduction of new quieter aircraftImproving how aircraft operate on the ground to reduce noise
• Working with government and industry to refine flight procedures
• Providing clear and transparent noise information to the community, including through Sydney Airport’s master plans

This reflects a global, best-practice approach, combining technology, operations, planning and restrictions to better manage noise over time.

Reducing noise on the ground

We are focused on reducing ground-based noise from activities that occur at the airport itself.

Key initiatives include:

• Providing ground-based power and pre-conditioned air at the passenger terminal gates, reducing the need for noisier onboard auxiliary power units
• Managing engine ground running through strict operational rules
• Providing advice to planning authorities (i.e. the NSW Government and local councils)when they are assessing new off-airport developments to minimise noise impacts on new residents
• These measures help reduce the amount of noise generated while aircraft are on the ground.

Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System (NFPMS)

The Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System (NFPMS) is used to measure and monitor aircraft noise around Sydney Airport.

Noise monitors are placed in selected locations around the airport and beneath established flight paths to record actual noise levels and help build a picture of how aircraft operations are experienced in surrounding communities.

The data collected helps to:

• Measure aircraft noise in different areas around the airport
• Better understand how flight paths and operations affect communities
• Support planning and development decisions
• Provide transparent information about aircraft noise

Noise monitors cannot be installed everywhere. Instead, a network of monitoring sites is combined with noise modelling to provide an accurate and representative understanding of aircraft noise across the broader community.

Airservices Australia manages the NFPMS at Sydney Airport and other major airports around Australia. Sydney Airport also operates additional noise monitors in collaboration with Airservices Australia, which are connected to the NFPMS.

Fly Quiet and Greener Program

The Fly Quiet and Greener Program encourages airlines to operate as efficiently, sustainably and quietly as possible.

The program uses aircraft noise and operational data to measure airline performance and identify opportunities to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities.

The program helps to:

• Monitor and analyse aircraft noise and operational performance
• Encourage the use of quieter aircraft and operating practices
• Support more efficient runway and flight path use
• Reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions
• Share performance results with airlines to drive continuous improvement

By recognising and promoting best practice, the program helps reduce aircraft noise while supporting more sustainable aviation operations.

Working with industry

Managing aircraft noise is a shared responsibility. No single organisation controls every aspect of how aircraft operate, which is why collaboration between industry, government and the community is essential.

Sydney Airport works with:

• Airlines to support quieter aircraft and more efficient operations
• Airservices Australia on flight paths, airspace management and noise initiatives
• Australian, NSW and local governments on planning, development and regulatory matters
• Industry and community stakeholders to identify opportunities to better manage aircraft noise

By working together, we can help improve operational practices, support quieter technologies and better balance the needs of travellers, industry and local communities over time.

Our Noise Strategy

Our approach is guided by a broader noise strategy that focuses on:

• Better managing or reducing noise at its source where possible
• Improving operational practices
• Managing unavoidable noise impacts through planning and infrastructure
• Providing clear and accurate noise-related information to the community

This long-term approach supports ongoing improvements, recognising that with more people choosing to fly for family, recreational or business reasons aircraft noise cannot be eliminated entirely, it can still be better understood and managed over time.