POSITION | TRANSPORT POLICY | BALANCED APPROACH
Evaluation of the Balanced Approach Regulation Strengthen International Standards, Ensure Consistent Implementation
February 26, 2026 Background The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established a global framework for managing aircraft noise at airports through the Balanced Approach. The EU implements this framework through Regulation (EU) No 598/2014. The Balanced Approach provides the foundation for the harmonised, evidence-based management of aircraft noise at a global and European level. In practice, however, an imbalance to the detriment of economic interests can be observed.
Status quo: Balanced Approach in Disbalance The Balanced Approach is a clearly sequenced, four-step concept for addressing aircraft noise. The priority is reducing noise at source, particularly by using quieter aircraft and technological innovation. The second pillar is effective, forward-looking land use planning that avoids noise-sensitive development near airports. Thirdly, optimised flight procedures can be implemented to mitigate operational noise as far as possible. As a last resort, operating restrictions – such as night flight bans or capacity limits – may be imposed if a specific noise problem has been identified and all other instruments have been exhausted. This sequence is essential to ensure a fair balance between the interests of the population and the performance and connectivity of European air transport. In practice, however, a clear imbalance can be observed in some regions of Europe. While the aviation sector, as well as aircraft and engine manufacturers, are actively driving noise reduction at source through technological advance, progress in other areas – particularly land-use planning – has been lacking. The prescribed sequence of the Balanced Approach is not being consistently followed. Rather than fully exhausting the available measures, some authorities prematurely resort to operating restrictions. Authorities often react to residential developments that have evolved historically or have been established more recently in the vicinity of airports, even though such planning misjudgements do not fall within the responsibility of the aviation sector. Examples can be found at airports in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Dublin. The inconsistent application of the Regulation in certain regions leads to legal uncertainty for the aviation industry. It also impairs the functioning of the European internal aviation market and regional
Marco Kutscher | Division Energy, Transport and Environment | T: +49 30 2028-1751 | m.kutscher@bdi.eu | www.bdi.eu