Riga Airport Announces Plans to Reduce Noise Impact on Nearby Residents
Riga Airport is taking steps to mitigate noise pollution affecting communities surrounding the airport, seeking input from residents as it revises its Action Plan. The initiative, reported on March 24, 2026, by Latvian Television, aims to balance airport operations with the quality of life for those living nearby.
Current Noise Distribution and Proposed Changes
Currently, approximately two-thirds of all aircraft arriving and departing from Riga Airport do so in a northerly direction. However, a significantly larger population resides north of the airport – seven times more people than live to the south. To address this imbalance, the airport plans to increase the proportion of takeoffs and landings occurring on the southern side, dispersing noise over a less populated area.
Nighttime Noise Reduction Measures
In addition to shifting flight paths, the airport will implement stricter procedures for nighttime operations. Aircraft taking off towards the north will be required to utilize the full runway length. This ensures planes reach higher altitudes sooner, thereby reducing noise levels in surrounding villages.
Monitoring and Collaboration with Air Traffic Control
Riga Airport is actively monitoring noise levels in the villages of Jaunmārupe and Vētra, the communities closest to the airport to the south. Jānis Brižs, an environmental noise management specialist at Riga Airport, explained that any instances of aircraft flying over these villages are investigated. If no valid operational reason is found, the airport will work with “Latvian Air Traffic,” the organization overseeing air traffic controllers, to minimize such occurrences.
Community Engagement and Feedback
The airport, located in Mārupe Municipality, which is home to 40,800 residents, emphasizes its commitment to community engagement. While the airport has historically received a relatively low number of noise complaints – just three registered last year – it values resident feedback. According to Brižs, this number is very low compared to other European airports.
Information regarding the proposed changes to the “Airport Action Plan for Noise Reduction” is available on the Riga Airport website. Residents are encouraged to submit suggestions and feedback until April 22nd.
“We welcome suggestions on what might be done differently. Perhaps there are observations we should take into account. Although data collection is ongoing, all decisions made to reduce noise are data-driven. If residents have questions or uncertainties about what is planned, how it will be implemented, or how to understand it, everyone is invited to contact the airport,” said airport representative Ilze Salna.
Training for Air Traffic Controllers
The airport also plans to provide training for air traffic controllers at “Latvian Air Traffic.” These controllers play a crucial role in determining flight paths, altitudes, and other factors that influence noise levels.
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