Noise assessment of local airports: The case of Milan Bergamo

Air traffic is recognised to bring benefits to the local economy, in terms of both cargo and passenger mobility. European airports are implementing several measures to reduce aircraft noise, in line with the European Commission regulation and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s proposal of the so-called balanced approach. Noise exposure estimates are gathered from the European Environment Agency, which collects information on European Union member states’ airports. Different strategies can be implemented to reduce the noise or mitigate its effects, including the appropriate design and production of aircraft and airport collaboration with authorities and neighbourhood associations. Reduction of noise at the source consists of the appropriate design and production of aircraft, focusing on the reduction of engine noise and addressing airframe noise aerodynamic construction which generates low drag. Milan Bergamo Airport has been actively involved in environmental programmes targeted at the reduction of aircraft noise and air pollution in the surrounding area.