As Earth gets warmer, airports set to grow noisier with rising flight pollution

Rising Temperatures Could Make Flights Noisier Across Europe by 2050 (Image: Canva)

Warmer skies might not only change the climate but also how we hear departing planes. Researchers caution that flights in the future may get noisier and more disturbing for residents around airports.

In what way will climate change make flights noisier?

New University of Reading research indicates that increasing warmer air, fueled by global climate change, will raise aircraft noise pollution in European cities by the middle of the century. As temperatures rise, air becomes less dense, compelling planes to remain lower over the ground for longer periods after takeoff. With less lift, departing aircraft will ascend more slowly, producing louder and longer-lasting noise around airports.

What does the research indicate about future flight routes?

The study, published in the journal Aerospace, explored three future scenarios based on greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists found that climb angles of departing aircraft could fall by 1 to 3 percent on average by 2050. On extremely hot days, the decrease could be as much as 7.5 percent. This change will keep aircraft lower for longer, intensifying noise levels in nearby communities.

How many people could be affected by increased noise?
The research team modelled noise levels at 30 major European airports using ten different climate models. They focused on the 50-decibel noise boundary, a level where aircraft noise becomes noticeably disruptive. The Airbus A320, widely used for short-haul European flights, was used as the reference aircraft. Currently, about 60,000 people in central London live within this noise zone. By 2050, shifting climate conditions and population changes could push an additional 2,500 residents into the affected area.

What do experts say about the potential impact?
Dr Jonny Williams, who led the study, warned that thousands more people could face sleep disruption, stress, and health issues from low-frequency noise, which travels farther and is harder to mitigate. He said rising temperatures will make controlling airport noise more challenging, even as engine technology improves.

Professor Paul Williams, co-author of the study, added that noisier flights could join other aviation challenges linked to climate change, including increased turbulence and more frequent airport flooding. He said these combined effects underline how environmental changes are reshaping the future of air travel and its impact on nearby communities.

What is to be done to tackle the problem?

Experts emphasize that cutting emissions of greenhouse gases is essential to keep air temperatures from increasing and its impact on aviation. If nothing is done, aircraft noise pollution is likely to become an even more critical issue for policymakers, airport authorities, and residents.