Using our AirportCharges product, we can see that as of the end of August 2025 there are 298 airports globally with noise-based charges for aircraft.
Map 1 below shows the locations of these airports. As can be seen there are three main clusters of airports in Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Map 1: Airports with Noise-Based Charges
So which country has the most airports with noise charges? It is Japan with 70 airports having noise charges in place for aircraft.
Chart 1 summarises the map to show the number of airports by world region with noise charges for aircraft. Europe is the top region for noise charges with 143 airports, followed by Asia with 98 airports. We then have the Middle East with 51 airports, Australasia and Caribbean with 2 airports each and Africa and South America with 1 airport each.
Chart 1: Airports with Noise Charges by World Region
For the airports we have identified we have then looked at the number of scheduled airline seats at each airport using our Apex product, which is presented in Chart 2. As can be seen, noise charges are found at airports of all sizes. In our size classification the most common airports to find noise charges at have between 100k and 1 million scheduled airline seats, followed by those with 1 to 5 million seats.
Chart 2: Airports with Noise Charges by Number of Scheduled Seats in 2025
So, is there a standard approach as to how airports charge for noise? We can categorise the noise charges in AirportCharges into four groups:
- Type 1: Charges that depend on the cumulative EPNdB noise level, i.e lateral\full-power, approach and flyover. This information comes from the Noise Certificate or equivalent documentation and is available in LOOP. Whilst different formulas are used the data source is the same. London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol airports are good examples of airports using EPNdB noise level.
- Type 2: Observed average noise level, noise classes are based on the average noise levels measured at a specific location (usually the airport) for each aircraft type and series. These are normally reviewed once a year. Berlin Brandenburg and Frankfurt International airports are airports using this approach.
- Type 3: ICAO Aircraft Noise Level i.e. Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 14. Bremen and Bologna Airport use this classification.
- Other types: include a list of environmentally friendly aircraft defined by an airport, a generic noise charge, or a combination of type 1, 2 and 3.
As shown in Chart 3 the most common approach accounting for 64% of airports is Type 1 - EPNdB noise level.
Chart 3: Airport Noise Charges by Type
Our analysis has shown aircraft noise charges can be found at the smallest airports through to the largest and that a variety of methods are used. Whichever method is used, it should be underpinned by clear accurate data and be well communicated to stakeholders as well as be achievable to implement and maintain with available resources.
Noise-based charges at airports for aircraft are far more common than emissions-based charges. If you are interested in finding out more, you might be interested to read our How many airports have emissions-based charges article.
RDC works with airports and airlines to facilitate the exchange of accurate noise data via our LOOP platform. If you are interested in finding out more please contact us
Banner image by Wouter Supardi Salari on Unsplash
