Impact of Aircraft Altitude Reduction on Residential and School Areas in Yio Chu Kang and Measures to Mitigate Noise and Safety Risks

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a.          whether there has been a lowering of aircraft flight altitudes over residential and school areas in Yio Chu Kang in the past six months;

b.          what are the current minimum altitude restrictions; and

c.           whether the Ministry will review flight path and altitude limits to mitigate noise and safety risks.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.          Aircraft have not been operating at lower altitudes over Yio Chu Kang than before in the past six months. The current minimum height restriction around the Yio Chu Kang area is about 210m to ensure safe takeoffs and landings at Seletar Airport, based on requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

2.          The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has put in place measures to mitigate noise arising from civil aviation for residents, including routing aircraft away from residential areas when wind conditions permit, and disallowing flights between 10PM and 7AM at Seletar Airport, except for medical evacuation and emergency flights.