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Is takeoff or landing louder?

A study of noise on Airbus A321 aircraft reported levels of 60-65 decibels (dBA) before takeoff; 80-85 dBA during flight; and 75-80 dBA during landing. The outside of aircraft engines (around 140 dB at takeoff) and conditions on other aircraft may have higher or lower noise levels.



From a scientific and passenger perspective, takeoff is significantly louder than landing. During takeoff, the aircraft's engines must operate at near-maximum thrust (often 90–100%) to generate the necessary lift to overcome gravity and air resistance. This high-energy combustion and the high-speed exhaust exiting the engines create intense low-frequency noise and vibrations that resonate through the cabin. Additionally, the rapid acceleration increases wind noise against the fuselage. In contrast, during landing, the engines are usually at a "low idle" or reduced power setting as the plane glides toward the runway. While landing does involve the noise of the landing gear deploying and the sudden "roar" of reverse thrust upon touchdown, the sustained decibel level is much lower than the initial climb. In 2026, newer aircraft like the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 787 utilize "chevron" engine nozzles and high-bypass turbofans that have noticeably reduced the noise footprint of both phases, but the raw power required to leave the ground remains the louder experience.

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