Directive 2002/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at Community airports.

The objectives pursued by this Directive are the following: (a) to lay down Community rules to facilitate the introduction of operating restrictions in a consistent manner at airport level with a view to limiting or reducing the number of people significantly affected by the harmful effects of noise; (b) to promote development of airport capacity in harmony with the environment; (c) to facilitate the achievement of specific noise abatement objectives at the level of individual airports. Article 4 lays down general provisions in matter of aircraft noise management. Member States shall adopt a balanced approach in dealing with noise problems at airports in their territory. They may also consider economic incentives as a noise management measure.