Airports are significant sources of pollution contributing to air quality problems in surrounding areas.  The emissions of greatest concern for human health related to airport operation are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM). These and other pollutants are controlled in EU and UK regulations and, in areas of greatest threat of breaching permitted levels, are subject to various control strategies. 

Busy airports close to conurbations tend to face the greatest problems in controlling emissions or complying with standards; this has lead to a drive to improve understanding of the pollutants emitted by each source and how these disperse into the surrounding area.  Increased demand for air travel, with the associated growth in airport infrastructure and public access pressures, is focusing minds upon ways to control and mitigate aircraft emissions effectively, whether through technological and operational means.  The biggest contribution comes from aircraft engines but road traffic accessing the airport is also a large source.  Smaller contributions come from airside operations and airport buildings and infrastructure.

Knowing how and where emissions are produced and how to measure and model them are issues being addressed by Omega partners. We are looking at the complex area of how hot aircraft exhaust emissions disperse – as a large airport emissions source, it is important to get this right – and we are improving understanding of particulate emissions. Also within the Omega work program is work to understand how local communities view local impacts like air quality and noise. Omega is holding an airport air quality conference in autumn 2008 and we are working collaboratively with experts addressing the same issues in the US.  There is still plenty to be understood about airport emissions affecting air  quality especially with the strong forecast growth of aviation. The developing contribution from academia through the Omega partnership is a significant contributions to helping airports, airlines and Government apply effective response measures.