About the noise and the measures

Air traffic noise is one of the major concerns of Genève Aéroport. For more than four decades, it has been measuring, monitoring and struggling to limit noise impact of the activities carried out by the many actors of the platform.

As part of the Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP), a strong commitment has been assumed to cap the noise for the coming years and, on the long term, reduce air traffic noise footprint. 

In order to improve dialogue with local residents, Genève Aéroport has developed an interactive platform concerning aircraft movements and emitted noise. Managed by Genève Aéroport with the support of the company CASPER, specialised in this field, this platform is rich in information (noise measurement, legal provisions, actions taken, information on movements, etc.) and is a privileged link between the airport and local residents.  

 

Regulated nocturnal movements

The Federal Airport Operating Concession, as well as the Federal Ordinance on Aviation Infrastructure govern the regime of nocturnal movements of aircraft at Genève Aéroport.

Take offs and landings of non-commercial flights are allowed at Genève Aéroport between 06:00 and 22:00. 

For commercial flights, take offs and landings are possible from 06:00 until 00:30. No departure slot is granted after 22:00 and no arrival slot after 00:00 Thus, departures between 22:00 and 00:30 and arrivals between 00:00 and 00:30 are movements planned in case of delay. 

Traffic between 06:00 and 22:00 is therefore strictly limited. 

However, the airport has an obligation to remain open 24/24 in order to address all exceptional and unforeseeable situations (technical incidents, medical flights or diversion due to medical reasons, search and rescue flights etc.) and/or authorised by the Federal Ordinance on Aviation Infrastructure or the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) (military, diplomatic, humanitarian, technical flights etc.). 

In an exceptional event, the airport can grant derogation for movements beyond 00:30 Airlines’ requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Genève Aéroport does not grant unjustified derogation; such a derogation remains absolutely exceptional.

Soundproofing neighbouring housing

In accordance with its operating rules of 31 May 2001, Genève Aéroport established in 2003 a concept of soundproofing of nearby housings and takes over the related cost. 

Since then, a new concept approved by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation in September 2017 defined a period of 10 years (2027) for the implementation of this programme. Moreover, the works carried out must meet, in particular, the Acoustic Specifications and Recommendations for the Renovation of the Buildings nearby the Airport.​