Understanding the Real Noise Conditions in Airport Terminals

Airport noise is not just about volume—it’s about constant exposure without relief.

Typical Noise Levels:

• General terminal activity: 70–80 dB
• Announcements and peaks: 80–85 dB
• Nearby conversations: 65–75 dB

Because these sounds occur simultaneously, passengers experience:

• Continuous background noise
• Overlapping speech
• No clearly defined quiet areas

Why This Becomes a Problem for Passenger Experience

Lack of Rest and Comfort

Travel is already stressful. Without quieter spaces:

• Passengers cannot relax
• Fatigue increases
• Stress levels rise

Difficulty Communicating

Even simple conversations become harder:

• Travelers must raise their voices
• Important details are missed
• Miscommunication increases

Reduced Perception of Quality

Airports with uncontrolled noise often feel:

• Chaotic
• Overcrowded
• Poorly managed

Why Basic Dividers Are Not Effective

Temporary or decorative partitions:

• Do not block sound energy
• Have no acoustic accordion partition STC rating
• Allow noise to pass through edges

Standard accordion room dividers without acoustic design also fail because they:

• Do not reduce speech intelligibility
• Lack sealing systems
• Provide only visual separation

OSHA Guidelines – Nevada Public Environments

While airports are not typical workplaces for passengers, staff are exposed to:

• 70–85 dB continuous environments

OSHA Reference:

• 85 dB(A) Action Level

Extended exposure contributes to:

• Fatigue
• Reduced concentration
• Increased stress

The Solution: FoldaSil® ANC-AP33 Acoustic Accordion Partition System

The FoldaSil® ANC-AP33 Acoustic Accordion Partition System allows airports to introduce controlled acoustic zones within open terminals.

Instead of redesigning entire spaces, it provides:

• Flexible separation
• Improved sound control
• Better passenger comfort

How ANC-AP33 Improves Airport Environments

Reduces Sound Transfer Between Zones

By limiting how sound travels, the system helps:

• Contain noise within specific areas
• Reduce overlap between seating zones

Creates Defined Quiet Areas

Airports can establish:

• Rest zones
• Lounge-style seating
• Business traveler areas

Maintains Layout Flexibility

Unlike permanent walls:

• Spaces can open or close as needed
• Layouts adapt to passenger flow
• No structural changes required

Before vs After: Passenger Experience Improvement

Before Installation:

• Noise levels: 70–85 dB continuous
• No separation between seating areas
• High stress and fatigue

After Installing ANC-AP33:

• Reduced to approximately 55–60 dB in defined zones
• Less speech intelligibility across areas
• Improved comfort and usability

👉 The goal is not silence—but relief from constant noise exposure.