CLECAT JOINS INDUSTRY CALL FOR PROPER APPLICATION OF THE EU NOISE BALANCED APPROACH
CLECAT has joined a growing coalition of aviation and transport organisations supporting the Athens Declaration & Call for Action, which urges the full and consistent application of the EU Noise Balanced Approach Regulation when addressing aircraft noise issues at European airports.
The initiative, originally launched by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), has now been endorsed by a broader group of stakeholders representing airports, airlines, freight forwarders, express operators, manufacturers, air navigation service providers and business aviation.
The Declaration responds to a number of recent cases in which operating restrictions have been introduced without fully applying the mandatory process set out in Regulation (EU) No 598/2014. The Regulation incorporates the internationally agreed ICAO Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management, which requires authorities to assess the local noise situation and evaluate a range of mitigation measures before considering operating restrictions as a measure of last resort.
Through the Declaration, the signatories call on the European Commission to strengthen the enforcement of the Regulation, provide greater clarity on its implementation and ensure a consistent approach across Member States. They also emphasise the need for evidence-based and transparent decision-making that balances noise management objectives with the wider socioeconomic benefits of air connectivity and cargo operations.
Nicolette van der Jagt, Director General, CLECAT, highlighted that “Fragmented noise policies risk undermining Europe’s air cargo connectivity at a time when resilient supply chains and competitiveness are more important than ever. CLECAT supports the consistent application of the Balanced Approach to ensure that noise management decisions remain evidence-based, proportionate and aligned with Europe’s economic and strategic interests.”
The joint press release is available here, while the full declaration is available here.