Cost effectiveness of silent nights

TML assessed three scenarios for stricter noise restrictions at Brussels Airport by comparing their economic, social, environmental, and health impacts with the current situation. The analysis focused on the effect of reducing or eliminating night flights, with the aim of ensuring quieter nights and improving the quality of life for local residents.

The Ministerial Decree of 21 January 2009 established noise limits for Brussels National Airport. However, these standards have not been revised since then. At the time, the maximum number of night flights (between 23:00 and 05:59) was set at 16,000.

This study examined the potential impact of reducing that number and/or setting the annual quota to zero – effectively banning night flights altogether. The aim is to significantly reduce noise disturbance, ensuring quieter nights and less daytime noise. This would be expected to improve the quality of life for residents living near the airport.

In the study, we assessed the cost-effectiveness of three noise restriction scenarios. Specifically, we compared the economic, social, environmental, and health-related effects of the following scenarios with those of the current situation:

1. Quota counts as proposed in the draft ministerial decree (‘quiet nights’), with immediate implementation.

2. ‘Quiet nights’ with gradual implementation.

3. Low night-time quota counts with gradual implementation.