In a written answer on 17 July 2026, Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas clarified that the EU Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Regulation does not regulate the design or operational use of flight procedures, leaving those decisions to local authorities. The response, to a question by S&D MEP Kathleen Van Brempt, stressed that noise impacts from PBN routes depend on local conditions and that local authorities are responsible for balancing efficiency and residents' health. The Commissioner noted that strategic noise maps under the Environmental Noise Directive already show populations affected by airport noise and serve as the basis for noise abatement objectives under the Balanced Approach Regulation. He confirmed that the PBN Regulation is under review via EASA Rulemaking Task RMT 0761, launched in February 2026, but added that environmental assessments of PBN procedures are not part of that review. The answer offers no new concrete measures or monitoring mechanisms, instead reiterating existing frameworks. The Commission did not commit to an updated evaluation of the PBN Regulation before 2028, leaving the timeline open. Institutional follow-up is expected through the EASA rulemaking process, though its scope may be expanded if stakeholders push for inclusion of environmental assessments. The answer largely deflects responsibility to member states, potentially disappointing residents in noise-affected urban areas while reassuring airport operators and air navigation service providers that local flexibility remains intact.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byKathleen Van Brempt (S&D)