Noise Action Plan
Birmingham Airport has long recognised that noise is a consequence of our operations. Over the years we have developed a comprehensive noise management programme to minimise disturbance to our local neighbours.
Our overarching objective for managing aircraft noise is:
“To work with our stakeholders, including the local community and industry partners, to adopt the best practicable means to assess, manage and minimise the impact of aircraft noise, both now and in the future.”
One of the key ways we measure our impact is through the use of Noise Contours. You can find the latest noise contours, which have been produced by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs here.
If you would like to view the latest Noise Contours via Google Earth, please find step-by-step instructions here.
Download the contours as KML files below:
Please note we can share these upon request, as there are some technical issues preventing downloads at present. Email: [email protected]
The Noise Contours are an important part of our Noise Action planning process, which operates in five-yearly cycles. Our most recent Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 sets out a series of actions and targets to assess, manage and where possible improve the noise climate around the Airport.
For more explanation of the reasons why aircraft may be seen in your vicinity, please review the Operational Procedures and Statistics section below, which aims to explain the procedures for operations at Birmingham Airport, including details of the policies and procedures relating to aircraft taking off and landing at the Airport.
For information on flights at night, please read our Night Flying Policy which outlines our nighttime operational restrictions.
Operational Procedures
Airport operations are complex and each airport has procedures and policies that are unique to the environment and communities that neighbour that airfield. In acknowledgement of this we have produced a range of publications and relevant data to help in understanding how Birmingham Airport operates. There are links here to a substantial amount of information, so please scroll down to ensure you find what you’re looking for. If this is the first time you have looked at this information, we suggest the ‘Policies and Procedures for arriving and departing aircraft' document is the best place to start.
Documents
Policies and Procedures for Arriving and Departing Aircraft explains the procedures used by aircraft operating at Birmingham, including sample maps showing arrival and departure routes.
Ground Operations covers the different types of ground noise experienced in communities adjacent to the Airport and how we work to reduce and mitigate their impact.
Aviation Deposits and Odours addresses the perception that aircraft dump fuel or other materials into the air.