Noise protection: minimizing exposure as much as possible
Aircraft noise: targeted measures
It is a key concern for us to minimize noise exposure from aircraft operations for residents as much as possible. This is achieved through operational, technical, and financial measures.
«Aircraft Noise and Aircraft Noise Abatement»
Less noise through environmentally friendly aircraft
More and more modern aircraft with lower noise levels are being stationed at Munich Airport. The Airbus A350 is considered the world’s most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft. Compared to its predecessor, the A340, it generates significantly lower noise levels: up to 7 dB(A) less at takeoff and up to 3 dB(A) less on landing. In contrast to the A340 series, the A350-900 series noise contour is around 40 to 50 percent smaller and its noise level does not exceed 85 dB(A) outside the airport premises. This results in lower aircraft noise pollution in the airport region. Lufthansa has recently expanded its fleet at Munich Airport with additional Airbus A350 aircraft – now totaling 25 of these fuel-efficient and low-emission long-haul aircraft.
Comparison of noise contours of aircraft types Airbus A340-600 and A350-900
Noise-based basic charges: the quieter, the cheaper
To ensure that airlines benefit from operating quieter aircraft, we have further developed the system of noise-based charges. The current schedule of charges now distinguishes between 13 noise categories (up from the previous 11), providing even greater differentiation between quieter and louder aircraft types. It also includes surcharges on basic charges for flights during off-peak and nighttime hours. In 2024, half of all flight operations at Munich Airport met the strictest requirements of the so-called «Chapter 14» noise certification by the ICAO.
Aircraft type mix at Munich Airport
Passive noise protection: reducing noise for residents
As part of the «Cast Resin Panes» service program, FMG has been voluntarily replacing defective noise protection glazing in the vicinity of the airport since 2008. The defects concern the so-called cast resin layer in laminated glass panes and are purely optical, not functional, in nature. Our offer applies to affected windows that were financed by FMG under earlier noise protection programs. The program, originally set to expire at the end of 2024, has now been extended one final time through the end of 2025.
The Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, Construction and Transport has initiated the procedure for designating the noise protection area for Munich Airport under the German Aircraft Noise Act (FluLärmG). As part of this, the Ministry has requested FMG to submit data on the type and scope of anticipated flight operations for the forecast year 2033. Based on this data, the noise protection area will be defined through a public process, and it will be assessed whether current noise protection measures need to be adjusted or whether new areas are affected. FMG will meet any resulting obligations as quickly as possible.
Aircraft noise monitoring: stationary and mobile
We continuously monitor aircraft noise in the airport region within a radius of approximately 20 kilometers using 16 fixed noise monitoring stations. The measured values recorded can be accessed in real time on the Internet – in addition to numerous other statistics. Compared to the previous year, continued growth in air traffic in 2024 was partly reflected in slightly increased noise levels. However, the measured values largely remained below pre-COVID 2019 levels.
Locations of fixed noise monitoring stations operated by Flughafen München GmbH
In addition, we operate mobile monitoring units that can record aircraft noise at virtually any location in the airport region upon request by local municipalities. In 2024, we carried out a total of six mobile measurements: in the municipalities of Fahrenzhausen, Paunzhausen, Langenbach, and Haimhausen, as well as in the cities of Dachau and Garching. The results of these measurements were provided to the respective municipalities and, where needed, also presented during municipal council meetings.
Real-time data from fixed noise monitoring stations
Mobile aircraft noise measurements
Noise action plan for Munich Airport
At the end of 2021, the Government of Upper Bavaria published a noise action plan for Munich Airport, involving public participation and consultation with the affected municipalities. This presents steps already implemented as well as future measures to reduce aircraft noise in the vicinity of the airport. With the noise action plan, the Government is implementing the EU directive on the assessment and management of environmental noise for Munich Airport. In 2023, the Government of Upper Bavaria reviewed the noise action plan and concluded that no update was currently necessary.