The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has developed the Balanced Approach to reduce aircraft noise.
The goal is to avoid or reduce aircraft noise as much as possible without unnecessarily restricting air traffic.

The Balanced Approach focuses on four main measures:

1. Noise reduction at the source
2. Land use planning
3. Noise mitigation operational procedures
4. Operating restrictions

The approach is called “balanced” because all measures are intended to be applied fairly and efficiently, in the interest of both local residents and the aviation sector.

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Aviation plays a central role for the economy, tourism and international connectivity. As Zurich Airport, we have a federal mandate to connect Switzerland with the world in the best possible way. This means:

• ensuring reliable connections to other countries
• handling air traffic as smoothly and efficiently as possible
• while taking into account safety requirements and the limited runway capacity

A well-functioning airport is therefore an important location factor, not only for businesses but also for the general population.

• Aviation Policy Report (German)

For local residents, quality of life is the top priority. They expect protection from aircraft noise and other impacts, especially at night, as well as measures that support health and the environment. Climate protection and the reduction of emissions are central concerns. At the same time, many benefit from jobs and good transportation connections.

There are concerns about declining property values, urban sprawl and the loss of nearby recreational areas. Interests range from economically oriented to noise and environmentally critical positions.

The Balanced Approach aims to bring both sides into alignment. The goal is to implement measures that avoid, reduce or limit noise without jeopardizing the connectivity and performance of the airport.

Zurich Airport aims to reduce aircraft noise without restricting the airport’s connectivity or operations, using the Balanced Approach.

1. Noise reduction at the source

Zurich Airport supports technical innovations that reduce noise directly at its source:

• promotion of quieter aircraft through noise charges
• use of electric vehicles on the ground
• underground fueling and ground power supply
• engine test runs in a noise protection hangar

2. Land use planning

Proactive land use planning helps relieve noise exposed areas:

• planning residential, industrial and recreational areas outside the defined noise limit zones

Planning of residential, industrial and recreational areas is not within the airport’s responsibility. It is carried out by the competent authorities.

3. Noise mitigation operational procedures

• noise reducing arrival and departure procedures such as CDO and NADP1
• routing that avoids densely populated areas whenever possible
• taxiing with one engine
• reduced use of reverse thrust

4. Operating restrictions

• no planned arrivals or departures after 23:00
• night flight restrictions: no non-commercial flights after 10:00, all others until 23:30
• limitations on engine test runs and APU usage

The sound insulation program aims to protect the population from excessive aircraft noise. Noise is considered excessive when the noise limit values defined in the Noise Protection Ordinance (LSV) are exceeded. At affected properties, sound insulation measures must be implemented in noise sensitive rooms.

• Sound insulation program

To protect residents from being awakened by early morning southern approaches, Flughafen Zürich AG equips bedrooms in the affected municipalities with an automatic window drive or a sound damping ventilation unit.

• South Protection Concept

Noise charges are an important instrument used by Zurich Airport to actively help reduce aircraft noise. Airlines pay different fees depending on the noise level of their aircraft. The louder an aircraft is, the higher the fee, especially during the sensitive early morning and late evening hours.

• Noise Charge