Reducing noise together: YVR’s 2025–2029 Noise Management Plan
YVR is a 24-hour hub connecting British Columbia to the world, with aircraft taking off or landing every few minutes to move people, goods, ideas and opportunities across the province and beyond. With this activity comes noise, and managing that noise is a responsibility we take seriously.
Over the past few decades, the aviation industry has made significant strides in developing quieter aircraft. For example, modern aircraft entering service today typically produce a noise footprint that is 30-50% the size of the aircraft they are replacing, thanks to the advancements in engine technology and airframe designs. But modern aircraft alone aren't enough to address community noise exposure as urban areas grow around the airport. That’s where YVR’s Aeronautical Noise Management Plan comes in.
As part of our ground lease with the federal government, Vancouver Airport Authority is responsible for managing aircraft noise within 10 nautical miles of the airport. Every five years, we publish a Noise Management Plan that outlines our strategies and commitments to minimizing noise impacts on the community while supporting the airport’s safe and efficient 24-hour operations.
We’re proud to share that our 2025–2029 Noise Management Plan is now live.
What’s new in the 2025–2029 plan?
The new Plan builds on decades of progress and input from the YVR Aeronautical Noise Management Committee (ANMC), Musqueam, government partners, industry stakeholders, and the public, including more than 400 responses to a community questionnaire in 2024.
It focuses on 12 core areas grouped under four main themes:
- Sharing information with our community: Enhancing how we communicate about aircraft noise, flight paths, and airport operations through our website, reports, and social media.
- Collaborating with partners: Working closely with Musqueam, NAV CANADA, airlines, municipalities, and other airports to align efforts and share best practices.
- Improving monitoring and reporting: Expanding our noise monitoring network across the region and providing timely public updates on operations and trends.
- Strengthening procedures: Regularly reviewing the published noise abatement procedures, noise-related operational procedures, and runway use communications.
- Land use planning: Support neighbouring municipalities in promoting compatible land development around the airport.
- Musqueam partnership: Continue our strong collaboration with Musqueam through regular engagement and information-sharing.
Why it matters
Implementing our Noise Management Plan is one of the ways we honour our responsibility to the community, while ensuring the airport remains a critical driver of economic activity, tourism, and connection across the province.
To read the full Plan and learn more about how YVR manages aircraft noise, please visit: yvr.ca/noise
We thank everyone who contributed ideas, shared concerns, and helped shape this plan. Your input continues to guide our work as we grow responsibly — together.