Knesset economic committee to introduce a law banning night flights from Ben Gurion Airport

Despite the noise minimization policy adopted by the Airport Authority the committee decided to introduce a law banning take offs between 01:00 – 05:30
 
Following the approval given in November 2006 by the director general of the Ministry of Transport to open Ben Gurion Airport to night take offs, the subject was thoroughly dealt with by the Knesset economic committee.
 
The committee noted that in order to minimize the generation of noise from Ben Gurion Airport, the Israel Airport Authority had adopted a noise minimization policy, which addresses several aspects, among others: Using a preferred model of operation (optimizing use of flight paths and routes); Placing operational restrictions on different types of aircraft according to their noise output; Acoustic protection; Monitoring aircraft noise and flight tracks.
 
Despite the noise minimization policy adopted by the Airport Authority the committee decided to introduce a law banning take offs between 01:00 – 05:30.
 
The committee noted, however, that exceptional takeoffs will be allowed with the prior approval of the Minister of Transport.
 
Udi Zohar, director general of the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, told the committee that discussions were being held to study the effects of night flights on the population and the environment.
 
As per the terms of the statutory master plan, the Israel Airports Authority is required to provide acoustic protection to residents in the environs of Ben Gurion Airport. Eligibility for acoustic treatment is determined by a legal expert based on a noise contour map which is prepared each year. A 17-member public committee is responsible for implementing the environmental provisions of the master plan, including matters related to acoustic treatment.
 
The Knesset committee called upon the ministry to advance an alternative program that will allow the airport to operate at night but under the strict stipulation that only fourth generation aircraft will be permitted to take off at 04:50. Thus, only aircraft which generate 10 dB(A) less noise than today will be allowed to take off in the early hours of the morning.