Locals in the northern suburbs of central Wellington have complained of increased aircraft noise since Airways (New Zealand's air navigation service provider) introduced a flight path that directs more aircraft over Johnsonville and Khandallah for flights operating from Wellington International Airport (WLG).

The new system was introduced in December last year, and the months following have seen increased complaints, with the aircraft noise being 'increasingly disruptive.'

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No consultation with residents

A local resident, Mandy, noted that she is losing sleep, with aircraft being overhead from 06:00 onwards, disrupting her family and pets. This resident is considering selling her home but believes the new flight path may decrease her sales opportunities.

Another resident, Kim, noted the evening international arrivals from Australia (which arrive around midnight) continually wake up her household. Double glazing and further insulation have not decreased the noise, and in one night, Kim witnessed five aircraft overhead within 10-minute intervals.

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Divergent Missed Approach Procedures (DMAPs)

The airport's new system enables aircraft to land and take off at shorter intervals. While the DMAPs would mean that certain flights were now flying over the affected northern suburbs, it should not mean flights would be operating at lower altitudes.

Airways surveyed flights in December over 10 days and established that six to seven flights operated this flight path each day at altitudes of approximately 3000 to 5000 feet. However, this contradicts what residents have noted by using various flight tracking websites, which recorded aircraft at about 1700 feet above.

Feedback from Wellington Airport

Phil Rennie, Wellington Airport’s external affairs manager, noted that Airways had advised the airport that it 'was confident the changes would be compliant with airport noise contours.' Phil further commented:

''We have published information on the changes on our website, are monitoring the noise impact and sharing feedback with Airways.

“We also hired experts to carry out a noise assessment. This showed that while the change would be noticeable to some residents, it would be within reasonable limits. In cases like this, public consultation by Airways or the airport isn’t normally undertaken.

“some people will notice fewer flights, while others notice more”.

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Noise management plan

Wellington Airport's noise management plan notes several essential guidelines the airport currently follows. These include a curfew, which prohibits flights between 01:00 and 06:00, except in medical emergencies.

Residents close to the airport grounds can have the airport cover the cost of home acoustic mitigation through the Quieter Homes noise mitigation package.

The airport highlights its effort in the management of noise, such as changes in aircraft technology, with new generation aircraft operating up to 30% quieter, investment in more silent ground service equipment, working to avoid other homes being built near the airport grounds, and research and investment into flight paths that hope to decrease the amount of noise pollution.

Sources: Stuff.co.nz, Wellington Airport

• 

  Air New Zealand

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  NZ/ANZ

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport, Wellington Airport

  Year Founded:

  1965

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  CEO:

  Greg Foran

  Country:

  New Zealand

  Region:

  Oceania