Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Councilmember Nithya Raman have announced changes to departure procedures at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in the San Fernando Valley. The revisions follow recommendations from the Southern San Fernando Valley Airplane Noise Task Force made in 2020.
Over the past four years, LAWA has collaborated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local officials to ensure these changes meet community needs and safety standards. “After years of collaboration and effort, we are excited to see this process come to fruition,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, representing the 4th District. She added that the revised procedures are expected to restore flight paths closer to their original alignment, providing relief to hillside communities such as Sherman Oaks and Encino.
The updated procedures involve modifications to waypoint locations, addressing noise concerns raised by residents in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and other nearby communities. These changes aim to reduce the southward shift of flight paths caused by the FAA’s 2017 Metroplex implementation.
John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, stated: “The changes in FAA flight procedures at Van Nuys Airport represent a successful partnership between LAWA, the FAA and local stakeholders.” He emphasized that LAWA values community engagement throughout this process and views it as an example of positive outcomes achieved through collaboration while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.
Data collection and ongoing dialogue with the community will continue to be essential in addressing noise concerns proactively. This milestone underscores LAWA’s commitment to balancing airport operations with residents’ quality of life.
For more information about the revised procedures, click here.
