Airplanes coming into the Portland International Jetport from the east are now following a path that slinks over Casco Bay to reduce noise in South Portland neighborhoods.
The S-shaped approach route, which took effect April 16, was created in response to longtime concerns from residents about aircraft noise.
With the new path, aircraft equipped with proper equipment will be able to mimic the harbor approach “24 hours a day and in weather down to a half-mile visibility,” said the airport’s director, Paul Bradbury.
While most commercial flights are expected to use the new approach, Bradbury said low-visibility conditions will still require older landing systems and some aircraft won’t be equipped for the new route.
The jetport said it will work with airline partners to encourage adoption and use of the new approach, which was developed with $75,000 in funding appropriated by the Portland City Council in November 2024.
The new route is being introduced as the airport moves ahead with $10.8 million in upgrades at Maine’s largest airport, after the City Council gave the green light last week.
The funding will support the second phase of a project to replace 70,000 square feet of 20-inch-thick concrete apron that’s more than 25 years old, along with a second phase of expanding the long-term hold area and de-icing pad. The expansion will add 60,000 square feet and create a fourth aircraft position.
