Town of Hempstead sues Port Authority over excessive airplane noise
The Port Authority has declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.
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The Town of Hempstead has filed a lawsuit against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, citing a dramatic increase in airplane noise over local communities near JFK Airport.
Town officials say the number of flights using one specific runway at JFK has risen significantly in recent years — from 68,408 landings in 2010 to more than 83,464 in 2024. The flight path takes aircraft over densely populated neighborhoods like Floral Park, Valley Stream and Elmont, leading to what residents say is near-constant noise pollution.
“You can’t hear the television. You can’t really have a conversation because you have to stop until the noise is gone,” said Kristina Dupps, a Floral Park resident.
According to the lawsuit, the Port Authority has failed to adequately address the growing volume of noise complaints. Between April 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, more than 372,000 complaints were lodged related to JFK air traffic. Town leaders argue that the agency continues to rely on outdated noise exposure maps that do not reflect the current reality.
While some residents say they have reached a breaking point, others accept the noise as part of life near one of the busiest airports in the country.
“It doesn’t bother us,” said Carl Labriola, another Floral Park resident. “They come by in the backyard and what are you going to do? Life goes on.”
The Port Authority has declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.
