Noise mitigation at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
What are the sources of noise from the airport?
There are many different sources in and around an airport that can create noise. The
most commonly known source is an aircraft and it may range from aircraft engines
during startup, taxi, takeoff to landing and engine tests. Other sources of noise stem
from Ground Power Units (GPU) or Auxiliary Power Units (APU) to provide aircrafts
with power for fresh air and cooling during the period when an aircraft is parked on
ground. Further, noise emissions can be generated by standby generator sets, ground
handling equipment, vehicles or construction equipment.
What is the airport doing to minimize noise?
As a socially responsible company, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) is
continuously striving to reduce noise emissions from its airport operations. BIAL
encourages the use of Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) instead of Mobile GPUs
and APUs. Further, as part of the commitment to the environment and in compliance
with pollution control norms, BIAL is currently monitoring the levels of ambient noise
at the Airport. BIAL has also established permanent noise monitoring stations in the
approach path as per the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulation. The
reading from these monitoring activities is regularly submitted to the Karnataka State
Pollution Control Board and DGCA.
What are the rules around noise levels and where does this airport stand in that
context?
BIAL follows the Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000 and DGCA
Regulations on ‘Noise Management of Aircraft Operations at Airports’.
What level of noise is generated by an aircraft operating around the airport?
An aircraft generates audible noise when it operates at lower altitudes, typically
during the takeoff and landing phase.
What is the decibel limit for airports around residences and is KIAB under the
existing applicable laws?
The applicable noise limit according to the Noise Act 2000 for Industry is 75 dB during
the day and 70 dB at night time. Residence in the vicinity of KIAB may experience
noise levels due to aircraft overflying the area. Airports around the world have
defined a separate category known as ‘Airport Vicinity Zone’ where the acceptable
noise levels are much higher than any other category of noise levels due to aircraft
operation.
Does KIAB have a dedicated ‘Airport Vicinity Zone’ that minimizes noise impact on
residential areas?
Yes, KIAB has a dedicated approach path for landing and takeoff for its runways.
Does KIAB impose Noise limits on its aircraft to control engine noise during
approach/take off?
Currently, there are no published noise abatement procedures for approach and
takeoff.
Are there any restrictions placed on aircraft engine run ups during night time
(22:00 to 06:00)
Yes, high power run ups for older types of engines are not permitted during 22:00
hours – 06:00 hours as per the DGCA guidelines.
***