Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), along with meeting air traffic safety requirements is continuing to take several measures aimed at reducing noise emitted by aircrafts which may disturb residents of areas near the Muscat International Airport.

Following are the most important measures taken in this regard:

1. To rehabilitate the southern runway of Muscat International Airport, which will contribute to the transfer of air traffic to lanes that reduce the impact of noise in the areas surrounding the airport.

2. To change the direction of landing of aircraft from 9 pm to 5 am from the direction of South Al-Mawaleh area to the direction of the sea adjacent to Al-Athaiba area, except during extreme weather conditions.

3. Prohibit giant cargo planes to land at Muscat International Airport unless they are of national interest.

4. To obligate all types of aircraft to follow the noise reduction procedures issued by the CAA on 11 October 2018, as follows:

• To use the most suitable direction for the runway used for flying in the first and final stages of flight (takeoff and landing) with the aim of directing flight paths away from noise-sensitive areas.

• To use take-off and landing procedures from and to the airport aimed at reducing the general impact of noise on the ground while maintaining the levels required for aviation safety.

• To prohibit the use of reverse thrust of engines when landing, which greatly reduces the noise of aircraft engines.

• To organise operating aircraft engines for inspection at the airport so that it is only allowed within the limits of a specific noise level and for a period not exceeding five minutes.

Source: Times of Oman