Whilst there is no question that in today’s world it is important that there is easy access to international air travel, there is also a need to respect those living by airports.
Some would argue that if you choose to live in a property near to any airport then you must expect that there will be a strong element of noise and air pollution, but in Portugal for example a new airport serving Lisbon will be built in a completely new area with local residents having to decide whether to stay or go.
There are currently restrictions on flights from the current Lisbon airport with only a very few flights allowed in or out between midnight and 6am but for some reason airlines or the airport management appear to have ignored the rule during 2024.
Noise pollution at Lisbon Airport shoots up in 2024 with 40 times more fines levied than in 2023
In 2023, fines of just €266,200 were levied against airlines for breach of rules including night time travel and missing time-slots but in 2024, this has shot up to €8,721,600 according to the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) which comes as staggering news.
In order for an aircraft to take off or land, it has to be guided by air traffic control and be allowed access to the runway and airport by those running the Lisbon facility, so it seems that there has been a massive break down in procedures which is currently unexplained.
Expanding the actual details of the transgressions, ANAC observed that there 82 carriers had received warnings over 246 offences although this may change downwards as appeals against fines are heard and some charges are reviewed.
Action needs to be taken to tackle noise pollution at Lisbon Airport
If this is a real cause of noise pollution, then action needs to be taken to bring the airlines and airport back into line for the good of those living nearby or under the flight patterns.
The Portuguese Government has indicated that it will step in to review the situation and will tighten the rules at Lisbon and other airports if considered necessary.
This should also be a pointer to the rules that should come into effect when the new Lisbon airport is ready to open as expected by 2034.
