Since 2001, we have guaranteed the monitoring of aeronautical noise origin at the airports of Linate and Malpensa, in compliance with current national legislation. The monitoring system is equipped with 22 permanent field stations (16 at Malpensa and 6 at Linate) and 4 mobile stations, the latter used for specific studies. We operate in collaboration and under the strict control of ARPA (Environmental Regional Protection Agency) in order to improve the monitoring actions and protect the areas which surround our airports. ARPA, based on the criteria defined by the Lombardy Region Guidelines, classified 4 of the 6 stations at Malpensa in the “Monitoring” category, 4 of the 6 at Linate and 10 of the current 16 at Malpensa. Italian Ministerial Decree of October 31, 1997 defined the index to be used for the measurement of airport noise as the Level of Assessment of Airport Noise, or ‘Livello di Valutazione del Rumore Aeroportuale (LVA)’. Furthermore, it classified three zones around each airport by maximum thresholds of admitted noise, varying according to human settlement types:
- ZONE A: The LVA index is set from 60 to 65 dB(A). There are no limits on this category.
- ZONE B: The LVA index is set from 65 to 75 dB(A). The LVA index is set from 65 to 75 dB(A), for areas of agricultural, livestock breeding, industrial, commercial, office, tertiary and similar activities.
- ZONE C: The LVA index may exceed the value of 75 dB(A) produced exclusively by activities functionally connected to the airport infrastructure.
Exposure to Linate airport noise emissions
In consideration of landing and take-off routes, the municipalities affected by aeronautical noise are: Milan, Peschiera Borromeo, Segrate, San Donato Milanese, San Giuliano Milanese, Pioltello, and, partially, Vimodrone.
The following data represents the 2016 update to Linate’s noise mapping in relation to population and buildings within the various noise zones in terms of day-evening-night noise exposure (LDEN), measuring the overall nuisance over a 24-hour period, and of night-time noise exposure (LNIGHT).
Linate - LDEN exposure
| db LDEN bracket | Population | Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| 55-59 | 22,317 | 2,168 |
| 60-64 | 14,043 | 1,185 |
| 65-69 | 469 | 213 |
| 70-74 | 1 | 7 |
| Over 75 | 0 | 1 |
Source: SEA
Linate - LNIGHT exposure
| db LNIGHT bracket | Population | Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| 50-54 | 15,916 | 1,380 |
| 55-59 | 483 | 250 |
| 60-64 | 1 | 7 |
| 65-69 | 0 | 0 |
| Over 70 | 0 | 0 |
Source: SEA
Based on population exposure data for each of the neighbouring municipalities in relation to 60-65 dB and 60-75 dB airport noise assessment level (LVA) zoning, it emerges that the greater impact is on populations in the municipalities of Segrate, San Donato and San Giuliano.
Exposure to Malpensa airport noise emissions
The Malpensa airport grounds are located in the municipalities of Cardano al Campo, Casorate Sempione, Ferno, Lonate Pozzolo, Samarate, Somma Lombardo and Vizzola Ticino. However, considering landing and take-off routes, other municipalities in the provinces of Varese, Novara and Milan are also affected by aeronautic noise. The following data represents the 2016 update to Malpensa’s noise mapping in relation to population and buildings within the various noise zones in terms of day-evening-night noise exposure (LDEN), measuring the overall nuisance over a 24-hour period, and of night-time noise exposure (LNIGHT).
Malpensa - LDEN exposure
| db LDEN bracket | Population | Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| 55-59 | 29,467 | 17,248 |
| 60-64 | 2,760 | 2,416 |
| 65-69 | 535 | 507 |
| 70-74 | 2 | 60 |
| Over 75 | 0 | 0 |
Source: SEA
Malpensa - LNIGHT exposure
| db LNIGHT bracket | Population | Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| 50-54 | 13,219 | 7,947 |
| 55-59 | 756 | 955 |
| 60-64 | 104 | 235 |
| 65-69 | 0 | 20 |
| Over 70 | 0 | 0 |
Source: SEA
Based on population exposure data for each of the neighbouring municipalities in relation to 60-65 dB and 60-75 dB airport noise assessment level (LVA) zoning, it emerges that the greater impact is on populations in the municipalities of Somma Lombardo and Lonate Pozzolo.
The boundaries of each zone are identified by the Airport Commissions, according to Italian Ministerial Decree of October 31, 1997.
The Linate Commission approved zoning in 2009, while the Malpensa Commission is continuing works with the collaboration of all stakeholders. The solutions identified over recent years were consolidated, in 2017, in a shared reference scenario. The development of traffic naturally makes the work of the Commission a constant commitment over time to gradually identify the best possible ways to continue minimizing impacts on surrounding areas and populations. A trial, requested by neighbouring municipalities, is indeed currently underway to determine a better distribution of aircraft departure radials.
LINATE - noise monitoring LVA dB (A) (*)
Source: SEA
Note: LVA - Airport Assessment Level: calculated, in accordance with Ministerial Decree 31/10/1997 – Airport noise measurement methodology, based on the AEL data relating to the three weeks with highest traffic identified in 2018.
(*) The data shown in the figures are awaiting validation by the Lombardy Regional Agency for the Protection of the Environment (ARPA), which controls the airport noise monitoring network according to national legislation.
Malpensa - noise monitoring LVA dB (A) (*)
Note: LVA - Airport Assessment Level: calculated, in accordance with Ministerial Decree 31/10/1997 – Airport noise measurement methodology, based on the AEL data relating to the three weeks with highest traffic identified in 2018.
It should be noted that in one of the three weeks used for the calculation of 2018’s LVA index, work was carried out on runway 35R requiring a change in traffic management and a consequent divergence from the standard scenario.
(*) The data shown in the figures are awaiting validation by the Lombardy Regional Agency for the Protection of the Environment (ARPA), which controls the airport noise monitoring network according to national legislation.
The acoustic data detected by the monitoring stations is analysed with the aid of a special information system. By using the radar paths of individual flights, provided by the Italian National Flight Assistance Agency (ENAV), it is possible to distinguish aeronautical noise from the total noise detected. Detailed information on the noise emissions and operations of our airports may be consulted in a specific section of the website www.seamilano.eu.