Brisbane Airport's noise reduction plan criticized

The Australian Federation of Airline Pilots (AFAP) has criticized a move by Brisbane Airport to adjust takeoff and landing procedures to reduce noise pollution. The airport encouraged major international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific to consider tailwinds two knots above the limit set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa). The union argues this is "potentially unsafe" and falls outside international standards. Aircraft noise is a contentious issue in Brisbane, prompting calls for curfews and flight caps. Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, said that the airlines believe their adjustments can minimize noise without compromising safety.

Casa has maintained that its tailwind limit is five knots. The airport says it operated safely for 30 years with a 10-knot limit before Casa reduced it in 2016. Community groups and experts are divided on the impact of these changes. Casa states that pilots still have the discretion to make operational decisions, while AFAP insists that the airport doesn't have the authority to go against Casa guidelines.