On Aug. 4, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) released noise pollution data for the new Haneda flight routes that pass over central Tokyo. The new routes went into operation on March 29. Data spanning the one month period from March 29 to April 30 was released. The data showed that about 65% of the noise measurements were within the range estimated before the routes came into use. About 18% of the noise measurements exceeded the estimated range. Also, about 18% of the noise measurements fell below the range.

MLIT says that it will continue its analysis, since many flights were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and flights which were in operation used smaller and lighter aircraft. There were no incidences of falling aircraft parts through June 30.

This is MLIT’s first release of noise pollution data. MLIT stated that data such as noise measurements, operating times for the new routes, and incidences of falling parts will be made available on the MLIT website. Analyses of the noise pollution will also be posted on the website.