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 interests of good neighbourly relations.
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 past 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-related 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. Airlines operating modern aircraft types – such as the Airbus, which is fitted with significantly quieter engines – benefit from this.
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 analysis is 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.
Noise protection officer
The noise protection officer at Stuttgart Airport is an employee of the regional council. He is responsible for reducing avoidable aircraft noise and investigating complaints. This allows identifying and prosecuting violations of noise protection regulations. He is supported by German Air Traffic Control (DFS), which records all flight routes precisely.
Transparency regarding flight paths
Past flight paths can be viewed using the Stanly Track online tool provided by German Air Traffic Control. All flight routes can be tracked there. The desired time period can be selected from the menu.
Aircraft Noise  Commission
Joint Consultation: Every German airport with a noise protection 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 things quieter for residents living around Stuttgart Airport, the airport is covering the costs of structural noise protection measures for neighbouring residential properties. These claims for reimbursement 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 assistance with the application process.
Noise Protection Officer
The Noise Protection Officer at 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 German Air Traffic Control (DFS), which precisely records all flight paths.
