Boston Air Traffic Procedures Reduce Noise Impact

Thursday, December 2, 2021

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today implemented air traffic procedure changes for Boston Logan International Airport that will reduce the impact from aircraft overflight noise. 

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the Massport Community Advisory Committee (MCAC) requested the procedures.

The first change moves aircraft departing on Runway 15-Right further north away from densely populated areas near Hull, Mass. Pilots can use the procedure seven days a week during both day and night hours. This procedure will be implemented today.

The second change moves aircraft on approach to Runway 33-Left out over the water, away from densely populated areas near Hull. Pilots can use the procedure seven days a week during both day and night hours. This procedure will be implemented on December 30, 2021.

The FAA evaluated the procedures for safety, operational feasibility and environmental impact. The agency conducted the environmental reviews in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and issued a Categorical Exclusion.

The FAA and Massport signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2016 establishing a framework to explore and evaluate possible changes to satellite-based air traffic procedures at Boston Logan International Airport to reduce the impact from aircraft overflight noise. The FAA remains committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue with the community, while supporting our mission of safety and efficiency within the National Airspace System.