Should airports pay for the noise they create?

Noise complaints around Los Angeles International Airport are spiking, with over 5,000 recorded in April alone, arising from just 75 complainants. In response, an FAA-funded mitigation scheme is allocating $57,000 per household, targeting 400 homes beginning this year.

This trend isn't isolated. Around the globe, Schiphol grants €2,500-20,000 for home soundproofing, Heathrow contributes up to £10,000 per property via the Quieter Homes Scheme, and Sydney has invested AUD 133 million in noise insulation and relocation programs.

As global aviation continues its rebound, with passenger numbers projected to nearly double by 2040, who should bear the environmental costs of flight expansion?

For residents, the solution isn't just future compensation - it's protection at purchase. Homebuyers need data-driven assessment of aircraft noise exposure to negotiate fair prices, request noise-mitigation measures, and avoid surprise costs before committing to a property.