The newly approved master plan for the village of Sokilnyky, which includes over 50 hectares of residential development for approximately 14,000 people, has raised alarms at Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport. The airport’s administration issued an official statement warning that the proposed development could jeopardize the stable operation of this key transportation hub.
The plan places high-density housing directly within airport noise zones B and V, where daytime noise can reach 85 dBA and nighttime noise 80 dBA. The airport did not approve these planning decisions, nor the functional designation of the land.
Airport officials emphasized that placing residential areas in such zones contradicts Ukraine’s sanitary planning norms and presents serious risks to residents’ health.
“Implementing effective noise protection over a 50-hectare area, especially with a noise source in the airspace, is nearly impossible. This would expose thousands of residents to continuous harmful noise,” the airport stated.
According to regulations, maximum acceptable noise levels in residential zones are 70 dBA during the day and 60 dBA at night. For recreational areas, the threshold is even lower. The projected development far exceeds these norms, raising the likelihood of complaints and demands to limit airport operations.
The Lviv Regional Center for Disease Control also expressed concern. Its review of the environmental assessment pointed out that the health impacts from airport operations were not adequately considered. There was no justification provided for how noise levels in the planned residential areas would be controlled.
“If these housing projects are implemented, it is likely that residents will demand restrictions on the airport’s operation, threatening its growth and long-term viability. The airport is a strategic facility, vital for Ukraine’s western region,” airport management noted.
Population growth in Sokilnyky to 50,000 could also overload transport infrastructure. Without an effective public transit system, streets such as Kulparkivska and the planned Ryashivska will become congested, limiting access to the airport from both Lviv and neighboring areas.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi echoed the concerns:
“Building residential areas in high-noise zones is not just a mistake — it’s a public health risk and a threat to a critical infrastructure site. The airport means jobs, logistics, tourism, safety, and economic growth. We must protect it.”
With the resumption of civilian air travel, Lviv Airport is poised to become a major passenger and cargo hub for Western Ukraine. Airport officials hope that authorities will reconsider the urban planning decisions to preserve and support its strategic role.