Aircraft noise
Managing noise is our priority
We proactively manage the impact of aircraft noise on our community.
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) adheres to the noise management responsibilities outlined in our ground lease with Transport Canada and any initiatives we undertake are governed by the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Additional information about YEG noise management is presented on this page.
What is noise?
Noise refers to unwanted or disruptive sound that can affect the surrounding environment and communities. At an airport, noise is primarily generated by aircraft during takeoff, landing, and ground operations such as taxiing and engine testing.
Several factors influence how noise is perceived, including:
- Temperature: Sound travels faster in warm air, which can amplify the reach of noise in certain conditions. Conversely, during cooler temperatures, noise may not carry as far, but temperature layers in the atmosphere can sometimes cause sound to refract back toward the ground, making it seem louder in specific areas.
- Wind: Wind direction and speed can carry sound farther in the direction the wind is blowing. If the wind is blowing toward a community, noise may seem louder, while wind blowing away from an area may reduce the perceived sound levels.
- Humidity: Higher humidity levels can enhance the transmission of sound, making aircraft noise more noticeable during humid conditions.
- Geography and Barriers: Features like hills, buildings, and vegetation can either block or reflect sound, affecting how it is experienced in different locations.
Understanding these factors is essential for effective noise management and for addressing community concerns. Airports work closely with experts to monitor and mitigate noise impacts, ensuring a balance between operational needs and the well-being of nearby residents
Noise Advisory Committee
Edmonton Airports has a Noise Advisory Committee, as recommended by Transport Canada, to assist in managing noise concerns. The Committee is made up of leaders from surrounding municipalities that meet twice a year to review all related noise concerns for both Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Villeneuve Airport (ZVL). The Committee also convenes on an as-needed basis if there is a specific concern from the community.
The Noise Advisory Committee functions as a forum for information exchange between the airport and local communities, and as an education vehicle on airport operations and aircraft noise.
Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA)
The Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA) is a designated zone established around Edmonton International Airport to manage land use and minimize conflicts between airport operations and surrounding communities. The AVPA ensures that areas close to the airport remain compatible with aviation activities, supporting the long-term success of the airport while protecting residents from potential impacts such as aircraft noise.
The AVPA was created under the Alberta Airport Vicinity Protection Area Regulation to safeguard the essential functions of the airport and prevent the development of noise-sensitive land uses, such as new residential neighborhoods, in areas where aircraft noise levels are higher.
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Key Features of the AVPA
Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF):
- The AVPA is based on NEF contours, which map out areas where aircraft noise is most concentrated. These contours guide land-use planning to restrict developments sensitive to noise in high-exposure zones.
Permitted Land Uses
- Within the AVPA, certain types of development are permitted, such as industrial, commercial, and agricultural uses, which are less affected by noise. Restrictions exist on new residential or institutional developments (like schools or hospitals) in areas most impacted by aircraft noise.
Balancing Growth and Protection
- The AVPA supports the airport’s role as a critical transportation and economic hub while protecting community interests. By controlling land use, it prevents situations where noise becomes a major concern for residents in close proximity to the airport.The AVPA reflects a long-term commitment to fostering harmony between Edmonton International Airport’s operations and the surrounding communities.
Noise Abatement Procedures
The Noise Abatement Procedures we implement for Edmonton International Airport are as follows:
Departure procedures
- Runway 12 turbo-jet/turbo-fan aircraft — no right turns west of KEKBI
- all runways – NADP 1 or 2
Arrival procedures
- avoid flying over the City of Leduc below 5,000 feet above sea level
- runway 30 right-hand circuits
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Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADP)
Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADP) are specific flight techniques used by pilots to reduce the noise impact of aircraft during takeoff. These procedures help manage how and where noise is distributed around an airport, especially in communities near the runway. There are two main types of NADP:
NADP 1 (Close-In Noise Reduction):
This procedure focuses on reducing noise levels for areas closer to the airport, such as neighborhoods directly under the initial flight path. Pilots climb steeply after takeoff and reduce engine power earlier to minimize the noise experienced near the runway. This approach prioritizes those living in close proximity to the airport.
NADP 2 (Distant Noise Reduction):
This procedure is designed to reduce noise in areas farther from the airport. After takeoff, pilots maintain a steady climb and delay reducing engine power, which helps shift the noise footprint away from communities closer to the airport and minimizes noise farther out along the flight path.
Both NADP 1 and NADP 2 aim to balance the operational needs of aircraft with the well-being of surrounding communities. The choice between them depends on the airport’s noise management strategy and the location of affected areas.
YEG aircraft movements
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YEG noise reports
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Noise Concerns
Noise concerns received from the public are acknowledged and internally investigated as they are received. Details of noise concerns are correlated with a flight tracking system and responses are provided to complainants.
Its important to note that Police or Military activity does not show up on our flight tracking software. We can however investigate concern involving this activity by reaching out them specifically.
There are free flight tracking apps available for both iOS, Android as well as desktop versions – one example is FlightRadar24
If you have a noise concern please complete the following form or contact us by telephone so we can investigate and get back to you with as soon as possible: