Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority

Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport - Aircraft Noise

Washington Dulles International Airport provides area residents with world class aviation service, which brings economic strength and vitality to the region.  Aircraft noise was given great consideration when Dulles International was planned.  An airfield buffer was provided on airport property to ensure that close-in residential development did not occur.  Loudoun and Fairfax Counties have worked closely with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to provide additional land-use protection through effective planning and zoning.  Today, the airport and surrounding communities benefit from these long-range planning efforts which look to the ultimate five runway airfield.


Runway Configuration at Dulles

Dulles has three parallel north-south runways and one crosswind runway.

  • Runway 1 Left / 19 Right
  • Runway 1 Center / 19 Center
  • Runway 1 Right / 19 Left
  • Runway 12 / 30

The newest runway, 1L/19R, opened in November 2008. A fifth runway is planned which would parallel runway 12/30 be located near the south end of the airport.

 IAD Runway Layout
Airscene - The Airports Authority's New Online Flight Tracking and Noise Monitoring System

The Airports Authority has installed a new aircraft flight tracking and noise monitoring system. Noise monitors have been installed around the Airport. The ability to measure aircraft and community noise at these locations helps the Airports Authority to better understand noise impacts in the community.

Airscene brings these new features to residents with internet access:

  • View historical noise data. Noise data from today is available on Airscene tomorrow.
  • View historical aircraft flight tracks (The data feed is delayed up to 72 hours or longer, due to security concerns)
  • File noise complaints online. You will be asked to register your name and place of residence and create a username and password to use this function.

Airscene is easy to use and consists of four tabs (Home, Complaint, Flight Tracking, Contact Us) found on the top portion of the screen. Each tab opens a page with instructions on how to provide or access information.

Noise Measurement Information
The noise level depicted at the monitor location is updated every second and reflects community noise from non-aircraft sources as well as overflights. Community noise can consist of vehicle traffic, lawn mowers, barking dogs, etc.

Click below to enter Airscene.  You will be leaving the Airports Authority's Website.
Note: Internet Explorer is required to view Airscene. We are working to resolve compatibility issues for other browsers.

IAD

Airscene for Dulles International Airport

Need help online? Click here for an Airscene user's guide.

Telephone Contact Also Available 

In addition to completing a noise complaint via Airscene, citizens are welcome to voice their concerns about aircraft noise at 703-417-1204. The Airports Authority's Noise Abatement Staff is available to discuss noise concerns during business hours. Callers are welcome to leave a voicemail message after hours or on weekends.