The local municipalities of Markopoulos Mesogia, Spatos Artemida together with residents of the surrounding areas and members of the Pan-Hellenic Association “Environmental Harmony” took the Civil Aviation Authority (APA), the Ministry of Environment and Transport to court and won. The Courts confirmed that the air noise is a real environmental issue that affects the quality of life of citizens.

The decision focuses on the violation of rapid ascent procedures (NADP-A) and the ban on the use of maximum thrust inversion. The court ruling forces Athens Airport to control and monitor the noise of the departing planes, with the fines imposed on offenders. Aircraft exceeding the agreed noise limits will be fined.