BA Has Launched A Comprehensive Noise Insulation Program

NOPI includes four measurements as follows:

1. BA started the realization of voluntary noise insulation measures providing sound insulation of windows in sleeping rooms and installing ventilation systems for fresh air without opening the window during night. The first phase of the program starts in 2007 and touches about 250 properties during the next two years in the most affected areas and it is worth half million euros in noise zone C of BA’s calculations submitted to Aviation Directorate.

BA started the program voluntary, legal provisions would require such measures only three to six years after designation of the noise protection zones by the authorities.

NOPI is based on the noise zones of expected air traffic in 2017, it is in full compliance with Hungarian legislation.

2. For planning and realization of the passive acoustic measures BA has established a NOPI Team, which will provide leaflets and application forms in the affected municipalities and districts.

3. In September, BA started the construction of a noise deflection structure next to Terminal 1 to close the noise channel in direction to District XVIII. The new noise wall blocks aircraft noise spreading between buildings.

4. BA has also planned in the last two months the establishment of a new engine test run hangar equipped with modern rectifier gates and sound bending walls for better sound absorption for approximately €4 million. As a result the noise of the single engine testing will be reduced radically.

As an added benefit due to the smaller noise emissions, it will be possible to do engine testing at the airport without affecting the neighborhood, which could mean additional expansion for the maintenance companies operating at the airport.

“Noise abatement is very important for us and the implementation of the Noise Protection and Insulation Program is another important step, since we announced our 21-point Noise Protection Programme,” said Dr. Reinhard Kalenda, the CEO of Budapest Airport. “BA places paramount emphasis on the relations between the airport and its communities. We are to fulfill our commitment to find the right balance between the economic benefits of the airport and the other impacts resulting from its operation and vicinity.”

BA’s “Proposed Noise Protection Programme”

In 2006, BA launched a 12-month review of noise protection policy, undertaking to bring in international experts and to consult widely with affected communities, both on the problems of noise and on the proposed solutions.

A year later, in February, 2007, BA officially submitted its “Proposed Noise Protection Programme” containing 21 proposals to the Ministry of the Economy and Transport and the Aviation Directorate. The proposals include changes to airspace, flight procedures, night flights, airport operations and introducing new noise mitigation measures.

Noise Zones
Noise zone is a zone within a noise contour overlayed on a geographical map, which surrounds an area within which the average level of noise, over a period of time, is at or above a certain level. The noise zones show the impact of noise on communities, and are used to determine policies relating to noise.

BA has already submitted the final plan documentation forming the basis of the airport’s designation of noise protection zones to the National Transport Authority Aviation Directorate in August 2007."

For more information, please contact:
Domokos Szollár