Noise Action Plan

Q1: How do I find out about what is in your Noise Action Plan?

You can find details of our draft Noise Action Plan (2024 -2028). The full technical details are in the draft Noise Action Plan document and for an overview, you can watch the information video that explains each section of the draft plan. Both are linked on these web pages.

Q2: What is a Noise Action Plan and why is it needed?

A Noise Action Plan is a five-year plan to assess, consider and manage aircraft noise at the airport, to reduce impacts on communities living around the Airport. It is a key part of delivering broader UK Government noise objectives that are to limit and, where possible, reduce the number of people in the UK significantly affected by aircraft noise.

The Noise Action planning process operates in five-yearly cycles. The aim is for each subsequent Noise Action Plan to build on existing progress to manage the effects of aircraft noise on people.

The Noise Action Plan is our strategy for managing aircraft noise to reduce impacts on communities living around the Airport. The plan includes specific measures or actions, which provide the airport with a clear plan to ensure that the noise impact of our operations is reduced where possible or limited.

Q3: Have the actions in the current 2019 - 2023 Noise Action Plan been completed?

In the draft Noise Action Plan 2024 - 2028 you will find an appendix outlining details of all actions from the 2019 - 2023 Noise Action Plan and our progress against them.

Q4: How is progress against the Noise Action Plan measured?

The airport regularly reviews progress against each of the actions. Regular reviews are also completed with the Airport’s Consultative Committee.

Q5: Are actions legally binding?

Yes, Noise Action Plans are a legal requirement under European Union Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise. This Directive is commonly referred to as the Environmental Noise Directive or END. The requirements of the END are transposed by the UK Government in the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006 as amended.

Q6: Can I share my opinions on the draft Noise Action Plan?

The public consultation ran from 5 July 2024 to 27 September 2024 and is now closed.

Q7: Who did you consult with during the 2023 consultation?

As well as the public we also consulted stakeholders including airport consultative committees, airlines, airport operators, local authorities and other key local representatives.

Q8: How will you evaluate the consultation feedback you have received and how will this be used in the final Noise Action Plan?

All feedback is now being collated and reviewed to identify key themes. Those key themes are then reviewed to shape the final draft which is submitted to Defra. We will publish a summary of the feedback we received in our final draft.

Q9: Can Noise Action Plans change during their implementation period?

No, once Noise Action Plans are agreed with Defra, these are legally binding for the 5 years they are in place. The only exception to this is in the case of significant change or development to the airport operation, where a new Noise Action Plan may be required.

Q10: Why does the Noise Action Plan contain so much technical information?

The management of aircraft noise at airports is a complicated topic, encompassing many different stakeholders and operations. There is not a one size fits all approach to a Noise Action Plan. To cover all aspects of noise management at the airport the Noise Action Plan is a detailed document.

Acknowledging that this is a very technical document, once the Noise Action Plan is confirmed with Defra, we will be including a summary document that provides a shorter overview of the Noise Action Plan.

Q11: When will the draft Noise Action Plan (2024-2028) be adopted?

Public consultation ended on 27 September. We will now review the feedback we received and prepare the final draft Noise Action Plan which will be submitted to Defra in October 2024. This will be followed by a period of review by them, where the airport will work with Defra to clarify any points raised and agree a final Noise Action Plan. The approved Noise Action Plan will be formally adopted by them in February 2025 and published on our website.

Q1: How do I find out about the proposals on the future management of night noise at Manchester Airport?

You can read the full technical details in the draft document.

Q2: Who are you consulting with?

As well as the public we are consulting with stakeholders including Airport Consultative Committees, Airlines, Airport Operators, Local Authorities and other key local representatives.

Q3: How can I share my opinions on the future management of night noise?

Please ensure that you submit your feedback before midnight on the 29th August 2025.

You can provide your feedback in the following ways:

To provide feedback on the Manchester Airport proposals for the future management of night noise:

• Email us at: community@manairport.co.uk . Please mark your correspondence as 'Night Noise Consultation' or

• Write to: Night Noise Consultation, Community Engagement Team, Fourth Floor, Olympic House, Manchester Airport, MANCHESTER, M90 1QX

Q4: Have the actions in the current 2024-2028 NAP been completed?

This consultation forms part of NAP23 and the basis of how we will implement proposals from the current Noise Action Plan.

Q5: How will you evaluate the consultation feedback you receive and how will this be used?

All feedback will be collated and reviewed to identify key themes. Those key themes will then be reviewed to shape the final draft and published on our website.

Q6: How is progress against the NAP measured?

The airport regularly reviews progress against each of the actions. Regular reviews are also completed with the Manchester Airport Consultative Committee.

Q7: Can NAPs change during their implementation period?

No, once NAPs are agreed with Defra, these are legally binding for the 5 years they are in place. The only exception to this is in the case of significant change or development to the airport operation, where a new NAP may be required. Our night noise consultation seeks to find the views of our stakeholders on how we intend to implement parts of our Noise Action Plan.

Q9: Why does the Night Noise proposal contain so much technical information?

The management of aircraft noise at airports is a complicated topic, encompassing many different stakeholders and operations. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to night noise. To cover all aspects of noise management at the airport this is a detailed document.

Q10: When will the actions be adopted?

Consultation will be from 30th May until 29th August 2025 and any/all feedback will be collated and reviewed, with any actions implemented following this.

Q11: Where can I find the current NAP?

The Noise Action Plan (2024-2028) is available to download here along with an informational video and a summary document for those who want an overview of the plan.