Author Archives: John Stewart

Flight Paths are Changing A revolution is taking place in the way aircraft use airspace.  And it will have a lasting impact on local communities.  Flight paths are changing across the world but the change is much more fundamental than simply moving routes around.  New technology is enabling aircraft to be flown in a fundamentally new […]

The European Committee of the Regions say in a new report EU should be more vocal on noise pollution https://www.cor.europa.eu/en/news/eu-should-be-more-vocal-noise-pollution-local-and-regional-leaders-say In an opinion adopted on 7 May, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) argues that the Commission should consider revising the Environmental Noise Directive, introducing ambitious noise reduction requirements at EU level and aligning the […]

Residents around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol just won an important legal battle  Read the analysis by  @SchipholWatch  https://schipholwatch.nl/2026/03/11/raad-van-state-torpedeert-schiphol-beleid-vliegindustrie-verliest-claim-op-500-000-vluchten/

A report out today from the European Environment Agency finds a link between mental health & noise, including aircraft noise. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/news/exposure-to-pollution-linked-to-depression-anxiety-and-other-mental-health-issues

The Balanced Approach is controversial. It ia worldwwide approach of the steps airports or goverments must take if they want to reduce aircraft noise. They must dothings in this order noise reduction at the source operational procedures to reduce noise land-use planning to avoid and minimize noise exposure and flight restrictions, which are considered a […]

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on the Balanced Approach. The Balanced Approach is critical for residents impacted by noise as it lays down regulations as to when the number of flights using an airport can be reduced. It also outlines how community engagement should take place.  The deadline for responses is […]

New study reveals air passengers and staff as well as those living close to airports exposed to high levels of ultra-fine particles:   “The concentration 1km from Charles de Gaulle was similar to that breathed a just few metres from Paris’s busy ring road.” https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/12/air-passengers-extremely-high-levels-ultrafine-particle-pollution-study?CMP=share_btn_url

A useful document from ACI on best practice for airports engaging with communities. https://store.aci.aero/product/airport-community-engagement-guidance-and-best-practices-2025/

Private jets don’t pay tax on their fuel. Yet drivers pay fuel tax. This entertaining video suggests put wings on your car to avoid tax! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYZYbWCOk7g