Speaking Out for Lisbon Residents: Addressing Airport Noise and Quality of Life
Air Traffic Control Body, PAN, pushes for stricter rules on late-night flights and openly criticizes Vinci over the issue
Inês de Sousa Real, spokesperson for PAN, recently voiced concerns about the impact of Humberto Delgado Airport flights on the quality of life of locals in Lisbon. At a meeting with the civic platform "Airport out, Lisbon improves", she called for measures to be implemented in the next legislature to improve the living conditions of those affected by flight noise.
The Drag of Endless Aircraft Traffic
Aircraft constantly passing over the city have consequences that reach beyond mere rest and quality of life for residents. The issue also poses a threat to the environment due to the emission of fine particulates.
Pushing for a Quieter Night
To ensure residents get a minimum of 8 hours of rest, Sousa Real advocated for an extension of the prohibition of night flights. According to the civic platform, this move is crucial to improve the quality of life for those living under the flight path.
Who Foots the Bill for Noise Mitigation?
Sousa Real stressed that it is the state, not Vinci (the airport concessionaire), that is responsible for noise mitigation measures in the city, such as the adaptation of residential windows. She warned against the public bearing yet another cost for a private entity's profit.
Sounding the Alarm on Security
In addition to quality of life concerns, Sousa Real highlighted security risks associated with keeping the current airport central within the city. In the event of an accident, damages would likely be greater than if the airport were situated outside the city with different infrastructure.
The PAN Position on New Airport Solutions
Later in the day, Sousa Real reiterated her opposition to the construction of the new airport in Alcochete. According to her, this solution would neither address the problems of the Lisbon metropolitan area nor provide a feasible mitigation against the airport's noise and environmental impacts.
More Than Just a Quality of Life Issue
Airport expansion also brings environmental and climate concerns into focus. Environmentalists are pushing for alternative solutions to minimize the environmental impacts of aviation while addressing housing and the tourism industry.
Moving Forward: Measures and Alternatives
Several measures have been proposed to address these concerns, such as the development of Montijo Airport and the construction of a new international airport in Alcochete. Both projects aim to reduce the burden on central Lisbon and minimize noise and environmental impacts.
More on the issue: "Do We Have to Be Angry All the Time?"; PNS Dances
Additional Insights:
- Quieter Aircraft Technology: Recent advancements in aircraft technology have made individual flights less noisy, resulting in an overall reduction in noise levels.
- Night Flight Ban: Beginning in June 2025, Humberto Delgado Airport will introduce a night flight ban between 1 AM and 5 AM, aimed at reducing noise disturbance during late-night and early-morning hours.
- Environmental Impact: The night flight ban is part of broader environmental efforts, as noise levels have recently fallen below EU standards, thanks to sustained noise reduction planning and operational changes.
- Montijo Airport Development: Plans are underway to develop Montijo Airport as a response to night flight limitations at Lisbon's main airport, intending to provide alternative capacity for flights previously operating during restricted hours.
- Alcochete Airport Proposal: A new international airport in Alcochete is planned, with the goal of being operational by 2037. This development could help redistribute the airport's noise and environmental impact and alleviate the burden on central Lisbon.
- In the realm of science and environmental-science, the advancement of quieter aircraft technology presents a positive step towards minimizing noise pollution, both for the residents of Lisbon and elsewhere.
- In the near future, as per policy-and-legislation, Humberto Delgado Airport will instigate a night flight ban from 1 AM to 5 AM, set to mitigate noise disturbance during those hours.
- The night flight ban is an essential part of the broader climate-change and general-news agenda, as the EU-compliant noise level standards have recently been met, thanks to consistent noise reduction planning and operational adjustments.
- To cater to the limitations on night flights at Lisbon's primary airport, plans are being developed to create Montijo Airport, offering alternative capacity for flights previously operating during restricted hours.
- Amid ongoing discussions and political negotiations, the proposal for a new international airport in Alcochete is under consideration, seeking to be operational by 2037. This development aims to redistribute the airport's noise and environmental impact and help alleviate central Lisbon's burden.
