Citizens' perception of the efficacy of airport noise insulation programmes in Spain

Airport noise insulation programmes (NIPs) implement active measures for reducing the amount of noise to which people are exposed without impacting the operating capacity of an airport. This is the reason why they are one of the most extended actions adopted internationally by airport authorities to fight noise in airport surroundings. Beyond the assumption that a correct implementation of the NIP will significantly reduce sound exposure, this research aims to determine the efficacy of the NIP as a result of the beneficiaries’ subjective perception in terms of satisfaction, and the reduction of the reported annoyance. A telephone survey was carried out in more than 650 dwellings in the surroundings of several Spanish Airports (Alicante, Bilbao, Grand Canary, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca). The results have shown that: (a) the beneficiaries have a generally positive perception regarding the actions implemented, (b) they are quite satisfied regarding the insulation of the façades after NIP implementation, (c) they report a reduction of the annoyance, but (d) they still perceive aircraft noise as a source of disturbance. The statistical analysis of the results has also shown that there are some non-acoustic factors influencing citizens’ perception of NIPs. Factors such as the aesthetic of windows, or the reliability and professionalism of the workers and technicians involved in the NIP, have been shown to modify people’s reaction. But, the dissatisfaction with legal aspects of Spanish regulations concerning a lower protection of some practical spaces (like, bathrooms and kitchens that have been left out in many cases) has been found to be the factor most affecting people’s response.