COUNCILMEMBER NITHYA RAMAN AND LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS ANNOUNCE REVISED DEPARTURE PROCEDURES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SAN FERNANDO VALLEY RESIDENTS

For Immediate Release: February 21, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Councilmember Nithya Raman (Los Angeles 4th District) are pleased to announce the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) publication of revised and redesigned departure procedures for Van Nuys Airport (VNY). This update, scheduled to take effect on February 20, 2025, marks a significant step forward in partnering with the community to alleviate noise impacts by securing modified flight paths.

The redesign stems from recommendations made by the Southern San Fernando Valley Airplane Noise Task Force in 2020. Following this guidance, LAWA submitted a formal request to the FAA to amend all three departure procedures for VNY. Over the past four years, LAWA has worked closely with the FAA and local elected officials to ensure that these changes align with community needs and safety standards.

“After years of collaboration and effort, we are excited to see this process come to fruition,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, 4th District. “These revised procedures are expected to restore flight paths closer to their original alignment, providing relief to our hillside communities in Sherman Oaks and Encino. I appreciate the collaboration of the Southern San Fernando Valley Airplane Noise Task Force and LAWA leadership for helping us meet our goal.”

The updated procedures include modifications to waypoint locations to reduce the southward shift of flight paths that occurred during the FAA’s Metroplex implementation — a prior redesign of Southern California airspace aimed at increasing efficiencies and improving access to airports. This adjustment addresses noise concerns raised by residents in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and other hillside communities near VNY.

“The changes in FAA flight procedures at Van Nuys Airport represent a successful partnership between LAWA, the FAA and local stakeholders,” said John Ackerman, CEO, Los Angeles World Airports. “LAWA appreciates the thoughtful engagement of our community throughout this process. This adjustment is an example of the positive results that can come from working together to solve problems while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.”

Data collection and ongoing dialogue with the community will be crucial to ensure that noise concerns continue to be addressed proactively. This milestone highlights LAWA’s commitment to balancing the needs of airport operations with the quality of life for its neighbors.

For more information about the revised procedures and their anticipated benefits, click here. 

####