Ambient noise inside airport terminals: a detailed survey of the background noise at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Airport terminals tend to be busy, with high ambient noise levels as a consequence. The level and spectrum of background noise form a determining factor for the intelligibility of Public Address and Voice Evacuation messages. Previously reported data on background noise at airports vary between surveys, raising the question whether ambient noise information can be applied generically across different terminals, as is often done. For this reason, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol carried out a survey of the background noise throughout its extensive terminal complex. Longitudinal measurements were carried out at 21 locations (for a combined duration of more than 500 hours), as well as grid-based short-term measurements at more than 900 positions. Focus was on the worst-case situations occurring during rush hours. Short noise bursts (e.g. passing of retail supply carts) that are not considered detrimental to the effectiveness of Public Address and Voice Evacuation messages (since these are normally repeated a few times) were excluded from further consideration. The remaining background noise levels were somewhat lower than previously assumed even at the busiest times, ranging from 61 dB(A) in pedestrian traffic areas to 66 dB(A) near food and beverage outlets. The spectrum was similar in shape across all locations.