Perth Resident Lodged 20,716 Noise Complaints About Aircraft

An Australian woman, frustrated by the incessant noise from aircraft flying over her home, lodged so many complaints that they accounted for nearly half of all such grievances in the country last year.

Data from Airservices Australia revealed that this unidentified resident from Perth made 20,716 noise complaints about overflying aircraft in 2023. In total, there were 51,589 complaints lodged throughout the year, more than double the 25,178 complaints recorded in 2022.

Airservices Australia, which oversees the management of air traffic in the country’s airspace, submitted these findings to a Senate inquiry investigating the impact of aircraft noise on urban and regional areas. The data underscores the significant disruption experienced by individuals living under busy flight paths.

Research highlights the detrimental effects of aircraft noise on health and well-being. The UK Civil Aviation Authority notes that noise pollution from planes can have serious health consequences. A study focused on Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in the United States found that excessive aircraft noise can also have financial repercussions, reducing productivity and increasing medical treatment costs for affected residents.

The Senate inquiry aims to address these issues and find solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of aircraft noise on communities across Australia.