Noise can disrupt enjoyment of daily life. Around the airport, the main sources of noise are aircraft landings and take offs which can disturb communities several miles from the airport boundary. Ground noise sources such as aircraft auxiliary power units, aircraft taxiing and engine testing can also be heard closer to the airport boundary.

Progress in the past 30 years has included improving controls and procedures in place at airports and reducing noise from individual aircraft, but some of this progress can be offset by the increase in the number of flights.

If you would like more detailed information please visit our noise website.

Noise is a complex issue. As Gatwick is a designated airport, the government sets noise policy for the airport, and the Department for Transport (DfT) has direct responsibility for the night flying regime, noise abatement procedures (in the Aeronautical Information Publication or AIP) and other mitigation measures.

Our approach

We collect, analyse and report on data relating to aircraft noise and tracks, and set noise objectives.  This enables us to:

• Improve understanding of aircraft noise to inform our priorities, strategies and targets
• Implement effective and credible mitigation schemes
• Work with our airline partners to encourage the quietest fleet
• Use the quietest practicable aircraft operations, balanced against NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions
• Engage with our community to make sure we understand developing issues, and are able to provide clear information
• Influence planning policy to minimise the number of noise sensitive properties around the airport.

Most of this work is managed or co-ordinated through our Flight Evaluation Unit (FEU). We work closely with a range of partners on specific issues, including NaTMAG (Gatwick’s Noise and Track-Keeping Monitoring and Advisory Group) and the Ground Noise Committee, which report to our consultative committee, GATCOM; and ANMAC, which is a government-led committee responsible for overall noise policy. We also work closely with our airline partners to improve performance in our Flight Operations and Performance Committee (FLOPC).

Examples of our work in practice include:

• Development of differential landing charges based on the noise certification of aircraft.
• Development of the arrivals code of practice with industry partners.
• Active promotion of CDA (continuous descent approach) as an operational procedure, which aims to keep aircraft higher for longer, and reduce prolonged periods of level flight below 6,000 feet.
• Fining airlines that breach DfT departure noise limits, with the revenue raised invested in local community projects.
• BAA-wide and airport-level engagement with aircraft and engine manufacturers to encourage the development of quieter and cleaner aircraft.
• Working with specialist stakeholders to identify opportunities to improve our reporting processes, and improve the quality of information contained within our FEU quarterly reports.
• Regular engagement with business and community stakeholders.
• A website to provide better information to local people in response to complaints or general enquiries about noise and track keeping.

Our performance
Our plans