Mitigating our impact

In our early years, we were physically separated from Christchurch, but city expansion and earthquake relocations have resulted in us having more immediate neighbours. Our responsibility and intention is to engage and collaborate with all stakeholders, especially residents and businesses close to the airport, so we can continue to grow without creating unreasonable impact.  

Where does noise come from?

Noise at the airport is a result of airline operations, ground support activities (engine maintenance, re-fuelling, baggage loading/unloading and re-provisioning of aircraft), airfield maintenance and site development. The extent to which noise affects the community depends on a wide range of factors including timing of operations, aircraft type, air space management, proximity of noise sensitive activities and prevailing weather conditions. 

Christchurch Airport is required to operate 24 hours a day to support the economy of the region and New Zealand. We put great care into the development of effective noise management plans in consultation with the community, so we can operate as required while mitigating the impact of noise.

Noise reporting  

View our daily engine test noise monitoring reports here.

Noise events

View current noise events as a result of aircraft operations here.

Noise monitoring

Aircraft noise at Christchurch Airport is controlled by a Noise Boundary (at a noise level of 65 dBA L_dn). Noise from aircraft operations for the three busiest months of any year must not exceed 65 dBA L_dn outside the Noise Boundary. Each year this requirement is checked and the results reported. Please refer to the annual noise monitoring reports below to learn more.  

Noise Management Plan

We have a Noise Management Plan in place, which sets out the procedures for assessing and reporting compliance with the Noise Boundary and formalises the engine testing bylaw. 

2023 Updated Air Noise Contours

Air noise contours are the key to Christchurch Airport’s ability to operate safely and efficiently – both now and into the future.

Noise contours identify areas around Christchurch Airport that are exposed to aircraft noise at levels which may impact the long term amenity of communities in those areas.

Noise contours are designed to protect both local communities and the efficient operation of Christchurch Airport as a significant infrastructure asset.

Christchurch Airport is one of only two airports in New Zealand that can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is also the only South Island airport that can accommodate wide body aircraft – its operation is critical to our social and economic wellbeing.

In 2023 the noise contours for Christchurch Airport were updated following an in-depth and thorough review by Environment Canterbury’s independent expert panel.

You can view the 2023 Updated Noise Contour Report and learn more about the process here.

Reporting noise complaints  

As a result of consultation with local residents, we have a process in place for reporting, recording and responding to noise complaints. You can use the noise complaint feedback form or contact us 24 hours a day on +64 3 353 7700.

Airport Noise Liaison Committee  

In accord with the Christchurch Replacement District Plan from March 2017, we have established an Airport Noise Liaison Committee (ANLC) made up of:

• A Chairperson  
• Two representatives from Christchurch Airport  
• Two representatives from the Board of Airline Representatives  
• An Environmental Health Officer from Christchurch City Council  
• At least two representatives from the Christchurch City Council Community Boards
• A representative from the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust. 

The ANLC meet every three to six months to advise on the Airport Noise Management Plan and Acoustic Treatment Programme. It also provides a channel for community concerns regarding noise from aircraft operations and engine testing.

ANLC meetings are closed to the public unless an audience is formally requested. To request an audience with the Committee, please send an email to enquiries@cial.co.nz with ‘Attention Airport Noise’ in the subject line. Please be sure to clearly outline your concern and include any relevant information. If you don’t want to present your case in person, state this in your email and include contact details for a response to be sent to. You can view a summary of all previous meetings here.

Every year Christchurch Airport is required to provide an annual report to Christchurch City Council, including the ANLC members and a summary of the matters considered by the Committee. 

Acoustic Treatment Programme (ATP)

Some dwellings near the airport are exposed to elevated levels of noise from aircraft activities which warrant mitigation under the Christchurch District Plan. We have recently developed and started implementing the ATP to address these issues.  

Our noise priorities  

Guarding airport operations  

• Ensuring proactive communication  
• Providing accurate aircraft noise information  
• Providing noise abatement for large developments.  

Protecting community health  

• Operating in accordance with the Noise Management Plan   
• Communicating and encouraging aviation operators to follow the Noise Management Plan   
• Implementing the Acoustic Treatment Programme.