An Assessment of Airport Environmental Noise Action Plans with Some Financial Aspects: The Case of Athens International "Eleftherios Venizelos"

Abstract

Environmental noise is an important environmental factor responsible for the degradation of the urban environment and the quality of life especially in countries where climatic conditions allow for outdoor activities and night life. Athens International Airport (AIA), "Eleftherios Venizelos," is one of the most modern, most functional, and safest airports in the world and constitutes the largest hub of air travel in southeastern Europe, encouraging strong financial and social development in the Athens greater area. AIA in collaboration with the University of Thessaly executed a complete study of aircraft noise according to the European Directive 49/2002 (ED 2002/49, 2002) under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. In this article, an analytical evaluation and an in-depth assessment of environmental noise action plans aiming, among other aspects, for the sound insulation of buildings where noise annoyance is an issue, are presented, based on 2006 and 2011 Strategic Noise Maps for both EU noise indicators L-den and L-night. Furthermore, a statistical analysis of predicted versus measured noise levels based on the existing AIA Noise Monitoring System, is also assessed.