Noise Generated by Low-flying Commercial and Military Aircraft near Seletar Airport

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Transport (a) what measures can the Ministry embark on to mitigate the excessive noise generated by low-flying commercial and military aircraft and helicopters near Seletar Airport which happens daily in both day and night; and (b) whether another noise impact study can be done this year.

Aircraft arriving and departing Seletar Airport follow flight paths designed to minimise the noise impact on surrounding residential estates such as Yishun and Yio Chu Kang. Whenever the wind conditions permit, CAAS will direct aircraft to land from, and take off towards the north, in which case the aircraft would not fly over any residential estates. However, there are instances whereby aircraft have to land from or take off towards the south due to the direction and speed of the wind. This could result in some noise to residents living along the flight path.

CAAS has put in place various noise abatement measures. For example, aircraft are required to fly at an altitude of at least 1,500 feet (about 450 metres) over residential areas around Seletar Airport to reduce the noise impact on the ground. Training flights and cargo flights are prohibited from operating at Seletar Airport between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am daily.

CAAS and the operator of Seletar Airport (Changi Airport Group) regularly review the extent of aircraft noise around Seletar Airport and assess if the measures to mitigate noise are sufficient. The most recent study was concluded in November 2014. The study found that current and future anticipated noise levels over residential areas around Seletar Airport are within the noise parameters of land-use planning guidelines for residential developments around the airport.