Residents Demand Action Over Noisy Private Jet Flights

Residents near Nelson Airport in New Zealand are expressing frustration over late-night private jet flights, calling for stricter regulations to minimize noise disturbances. The community’s discontent became evident after a private jet landed at 23:30 on August 16, 2023, and another took off at 04:34 on November 1, 2023. Local advocates argue these flights disrupt the peace, particularly for families and children trying to sleep.

During a recent committee meeting of the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, Lewis Solomon, a representative of the Association of Residents for the Environment at Nelson Airport (Arena), articulated the residents’ concerns. He acknowledged that living near an airport entails some level of noise but emphasized the need for reduced disturbances, especially between 22:00 and 06:00. Solomon stated, “Certainly no resident expected to hear this racket at 11:31pm on the 16th of August,” referencing an audio clip captured by Nelson Airport’s noise meter featuring the disruptive arrival of a private jet from Timaru.

In his presentation, Solomon compared the noise level to that of a neighbor starting a chainsaw late at night, a situation most would find unacceptable. He also played another recording of the 04:34 departure to Auckland, highlighting the impact of such early flights on the community. Arena members are advocating for a complete ban on the noisiest aircraft, including private jets, during nighttime hours.

Nelson Airport operates without a curfew, a fact that sets it apart from four other New Zealand airports surrounded by residential areas. Solomon argued that the community does not receive any significant benefits from these flights that could outweigh the noise pollution they generate. In response, Brendan Cook, chief executive of Nelson Airport, confirmed that while there is no curfew, most overnight flights are for aeromedical purposes. He noted that the airport has implemented an advisory process for flights scheduled between midnight and 06:00, allowing operators to discuss their flight plans in advance.

Cook further explained that the operator of the early morning flight had followed this process and that discussions included strategies to mitigate noise impact. He mentioned that the specific operator had flown in and out of Nelson 35 times since July 2023, with only one flight occurring in the midnight to 06:00 window. The airport, according to Cook, received four complaints from three individuals regarding the late-night flights, suggesting limited public concern over the issue.

The 04:34 flight was operated by Wellington Jet Charters, which clarified that this early departure was atypical. Chief executive Willie Sage expressed understanding of the residents’ frustrations and indicated a willingness to address any issues caused by their operations. He acknowledged that private jet passengers contribute significantly to the local economy through tourism and other spending.

As the debate continues, residents hope that their concerns will lead to a reassessment of noise regulations at Nelson Airport, ensuring a quieter environment for families and preserving the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods.