Noise Management

Queenstown Airport’s operative noise boundaries allow us to meet the anticipated growth of passenger numbers and aircraft movements into the future. The changes set out how we will help fund measures to reduce internal noise for those existing homes that are most affected before the predicted noise levels are reached.

View the Noise Contours map which shows the maximum noise boundaries applicable to Queenstown Airport.

The Airport has three noise boundaries:

Inner Noise Boundary

Also known as the Air Noise Boundary (ANB). Within this area, aircraft noise reaches levels of 65 decibels or greater on average measured over a 24-hour period.

Mid Noise Boundary

Within this area, aircraft noise reaches levels greater than 60, but less than 65 decibels on average measured over a 24-hour period.

Outer Noise Boundary

Also known as the Outer Control Boundary (OCB). Houses are deemed to lie within the Outer area if they are subject to aircraft noise levels of at least 55 decibels on average measured over a 24-hour period.

Each year Queenstown Airport prepares Annual Aircraft Noise Contours (CAANC), which show where noise from aircraft flying overhead averages, over a year, 55 dBLDN, 60 dBLDN and 65 dBLDN. 

The contours give the public an indication of how aircraft noise at any time compares to the final noise boundary allowed for in the operative district plan. The contours also give homeowners in the noise areas an indication of when they are likely to receive offers of acoustic treatment. Noise mitigation will be offered when, or just before, the actual noise contour reaches a property. More properties will become eligible for noise reduction funding as aircraft movements gradually increase.

Queenstown Airport 2022 Noise Compliance Report

The Queenstown Airport Liaison Committee (QALC) was formed in October 2013 and meets quarterly.  It's purpose is to provide the opportunity for the Airport, the community and other stakeholders to engage regarding issues related to noise at Queenstown Airport.

At the meetings the QALC is presented with information about noise complaints/queries from the residents and monitors how Queenstown Airport deals with those complaints, aircraft activities, unplanned engine testing incidents, and the airport’s operational report which includes updates on the Noise Mitigation Programme. The Annual Aircraft Noise Contours are also reviewed according to a scheduled timetable by the QALC and members of the public who have contacted the airport with a complaint about noise are invited to raise their concerns at the start of the meeting.  

There are 11 committee members comprising an independent chairperson, 4 community representatives, 1 QLDC representative, 1 Airways NZ representative, 1 airline representative, 1 general aviation representative and 2 Queenstown Airport representatives.

The current members of the Airport Liaison Committee are:

We are committed to being a good neighbour. We have operated from the Frankton Flats since the 1930s and our proximity to Frankton and Queenstown has significant advantages and benefits for local residents and travellers. However, it also means we are located close to homes and communities, and we recognise noise from airport operations can be annoying. 

We want to mitigate the negative impacts of our operation and offer a range of noise-reducing measures to the owners of properties within our Inner and Mid Noise Boundaries.

If you are interested in taking part in Queenstown Airport's Noise Mitigation Programme, we will ask our contractors to assess your property and recommend an acoustic treatment package taking its location and design into account. Offers of acoustic treatment are open for 12 months. 

There is no obligation to take part in our Noise Mitigation Programme. However, we believe it will provide a better living environment with less aircraft noise.

Here is what we offer:

Inner Noise Boundary

Queenstown Airport will fund 100% of the noise-reduction costs for existing homes within this sector. This will generally include both sound insulation and ventilation to ensure that interior noise caused by aircraft does not exceed 40 decibels, on average, measured over a 24-hour period. Acoustic insulation can include noise-suppressing materials such as batts in ceilings, additional plaster board, ensuring windows have compression seals and double glazing. Insulation in walls and ceilings could use materials such as fibreglass, polystyrene, wool and synthetic fibres. Each home will be individually assessed and provided with an individual report on what is recommended.

Mid Noise Boundary

Queenstown Airport will fully fund a mechanical ventilation system. Shutting windows and doors reduces aircraft noise that might be experienced within the home, but it also reduces airflow. A ventilation system enables the circulation of fresh air and the regulation of temperature inside the home while windows and doors are closed. We are aiming to ensure average noise levels don’t exceed an average of 40 decibels over a 24-hour period inside the living areas of the home with windows and doors closed. Solutions are typically ducted ventilation systems or heat pumps.

Outer Noise Boundary

No noise reduction measures are offered for houses in this area.

If you would like to discuss taking part in our Noise Mitigation Programme, please email your address and contact details to 
[email protected]