Rīga Airport plans to modify its Action Plan to reduce noise levels affecting nearby residential areas and is seeking public input from residents.
Reducing Noise Impact on Local Communities
Currently, two-thirds of all aircraft arriving and departing from Rīga Airport do so in a northerly direction. However, seven times more people reside north of the airport than south of it. To address this imbalance, the airport intends to increase the proportion of takeoffs and landings from the southern side, dispersing noise over less populated areas.
The airport also plans to require aircraft taking off northward to utilize the full runway length, even at night. This will ensure planes reach higher altitudes sooner, minimizing noise impact on the ground.
Jānis Brižs, an environmental noise management specialist at Riga Airport, explained that the airport monitors flights over the villages of Jaunmārupe and Vētra, the communities closest to the south of the airport. Any deviations from expected flight paths are analyzed, and the airport works with “Latvian Air Traffic” to reduce such occurrences when no valid reason exists.
Mārupe Municipality, where the airport is located, has a population of 40,800. Local representatives noted that residents have become accustomed to airport noise, and previous complaints were considered when developing the airport’s prior Action Plan. Last year, the airport received three noise complaints.
“Compared to European airports, that is a very small number,” Brižs said. “We also receive the occasional inquiry. The number of instances where the noise limit, as set by regulations, is exceeded is very low.”
Training is also planned for air traffic controllers at “Latvian Air Traffic,” as their decisions regarding flight direction, route, and altitude significantly influence noise levels.
Information regarding the proposed changes to the “Airport Action Plan for Noise Reduction” is available on the Riga Airport website.
“We welcome suggestions on what might be done differently. Perhaps there are observations we should take into account. Although data collection is ongoing, all decisions made to reduce noise are data-driven. If residents have questions or uncertainties about what is planned, how it will be implemented, or how to understand it, everyone is invited to contact the airport,” said airport representative Ilze Salna.
The airport is accepting feedback and suggestions until April 22nd.
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