Aircraft noise and noise protection
Our efforts to tackle noise
The aircraft noise caused by planes taking off and landing falls only indirectly within Stuttgart Airport’s sphere of influence. Nevertheless, active efforts are being made to keep noise pollution to a minimum – in the spirit of good neighbourliness.
Good to know: For people living within the airport’s noise protection zone, the 1987 planning approval decision applies. This means that noise levels must not exceed those of 1978.
Regular measurements show that average noise levels around Stuttgart Airport have fallen significantly over the last few decades. The airport was the first in Germany to introduce such measurements as early as 1969.
Less noise at night
Special night-time flight restrictions apply between 11 pm and 6 am to ensure the neighbourhood’s night-time peace and quiet is respected. In addition, noise-dependent take-off and landing charges have been used to provide incentives since the 1970s: The quieter and lower-emission an aircraft is, the lower the charges. This benefits airlines operating modern aircraft types – such as the Airbus, which is equipped with significantly quieter engines.
Transparency through measurement data
The noise emissions caused by air traffic are continuously monitored. Eight outdoor monitoring stations are in place for this purpose in populated areas of the municipalities of Scharnhausen, Berkheim, Neuhausen, Bernhausen, Stetten, Steinenbronn, Echterdingen and Denkendorf.
Good to know: The analyses are available in the monthly aircraft noise reports and via the online tool TraVis (Track Visualisation). Live data from the aircraft noise measurements is available there – ensuring full transparency.
Night-time flight restriction
To minimise night-time aircraft noise as far as possible, no jet-powered civil aircraft are permitted to land at Stuttgart Airport between 23:30 and 06:00. Delayed landings are permitted until midnight if the scheduled arrival time was before 11.30 pm.
Good to know: Aircraft are not permitted to take off from 11.00 pm onwards. However, there are exceptions – for example, for authorised delayed take-offs and landings, emergency response flights, medical assistance, survey flights for technical installations or military flights.
Propeller-driven aircraft and night airmail services are only permitted to take off at night under restricted conditions – and only if they comply with specific noise regulations. Since 1 July 2019, an increased night-time surcharge has been applied to the noise charge for such exceptions.
Transparency regarding flight paths
Past flight paths can be viewed using the Stanly Track online tool provided by Air Traffic Control Germany. All flight routes can be traced there. The desired time period can be selected from the menu.
Aircraft Noise Commission
Joint Consultation: Every German airport with a noise abatement zone has a regional aircraft noise commission – and Stuttgart Airport is no exception. Among other things, it advises the German Air Traffic Control (DFS) on the determination of flight routes and flight procedures.
Noise protection for local residents
To help make the area around Stuttgart Airport quieter for local residents, Stuttgart Airport is covering the costs of structural noise protection measures for neighbouring residential properties. These reimbursement claims are processed via the noise protection programme in accordance with the Aircraft Noise Act.
Good to know: A dedicated website provides property owners with detailed information and assists them with the application process.
Noise Protection Officer
The Noise Protection Officer for Stuttgart Airport is an employee of the Regional Council. She is responsible for reducing avoidable aircraft noise and investigating complaints. This enables breaches of noise protection regulations to be identified and penalised. She is supported in this by the German Air Traffic Control (DFS), which records all flight paths precisely.
