New aircraft noise measurements confirm relief, but reveal problems in Wixhausen
The rerouted departure path Cindy S at Frankfurt Airport has resulted in less aircraft noise in large parts of Darmstadt. Arheilgen and Kranichstein, in particular, have benefited from the new route. However, noise levels have increased on the northern edge of Wixhausen. This is confirmed by the latest results of the aircraft noise studies, which were presented at the Airport and Region Forum (FFR) on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Despite the additional burden on parts of Wixhausen, the Darmstadt city council is in favor of permanently maintaining the rerouting of the departure route. At the same time, the city is calling for swift noise abatement measures for affected residents and further improvements to the flight path.
Arheilgen and Kranichstein benefit from new flight route
According to the city, the current investigations confirm the calculations that were carried out before the departure route was changed.
According to reports, aircraft noise has decreased significantly, particularly in Arheilgen. Kranichstein also benefits from the new flight path.
The situation in Wixhausen is different. There, the focus of aircraft noise pollution has shifted from the southern to the northern edge of the town.
Environmental officer Michael Kolmer points out that the city had already advocated for a flight path that was as central as possible between Wixhausen and Erzhausen.
Compared to the first trial run, an improvement has been achieved for the northern edge of Wixhausen. Nevertheless, it has become noisier there due to the relocation.
Kolmer therefore expresses understanding for the disappointment of the affected residents.
Measuring stations show shifts in aircraft noise
Results of the city's aircraft noise measurements had already been presented at a public event on September 23rd in the Bürgermeister-Pohl-Haus in Wixhausen.
In particular, the data from the measuring stations on the Bürgermeister-Pohl-Haus and in Ostendstraße were evaluated.
Measurements taken on Ostendstrasse confirm a reduction in traffic congestion on the southern edge of Wixhausen.
At the same time, the studies show that the previous aircraft noise pollution on the southern edge is roughly comparable to the current pollution on the northern edge.
The relocation has thus led to a significant shift in noise pollution within Wixhausen.
The city council is in favor of a permanent relocation
Based on the investigation results, the city council has approved a proposal according to which Darmstadt should advocate for maintaining the relocated departure route in the flight noise commission.
The decisive meeting of the aircraft noise commission is scheduled for early December.
The proposal has already been discussed in the Wixhausen local council. Further deliberations are planned in the Committee for Climate Protection, Sustainability, Environment and Urban Planning, as well as in the city council.
Mayor Hanno Benz justifies the city council's position with the relief it provides for the city as a whole.
“With the city as a whole in mind, we have advocated for making the relocation permanent,” Benz explains.
At the same time, the high noise levels on the northern edge of Wixhausen must be taken into account. A further reduction in aircraft noise is particularly necessary at night.
City demands swift noise protection for Wixhausen
In addition to maintaining the departure route, the city council demands the quickest and simplest possible implementation of passive noise protection measures.
This refers to measures taken on affected buildings to reduce aircraft noise indoors.
The city sees the state of Hesse and the airport operator Fraport as being particularly responsible here.
Furthermore, future work on noise abatement measures in Wixhausen will focus more on heavy, older, and particularly noisy long-haul aircraft. This applies especially to flights during the night.
Mayor Benz names the state of Hesse and Fraport, as well as its shareholders and Lufthansa as the largest airline at Frankfurt Airport.
According to the city, these actors should contribute to reducing the burden on the affected people.
Up to 20,000 people in the region will benefit
The results presented at the Airport and Region Forum consider not only Darmstadt, but the entire region around Frankfurt Airport.
These evaluations also confirm that the actual effects of the rerouted departure route largely correspond to the original expectations.
Depending on the calculation method of the Frankfurt flight noise index, up to 20,000 people in the entire region will benefit from reduced aircraft noise pollution due to the new route.
The study also examined whether alternating the use of the old and new departure routes could be a viable alternative.
However, the calculations show that the current route achieves the greatest overall relief effect among all the variants examined.
Further improvements between Wixhausen and Erzhausen are being considered
Despite the positive overall result, further adjustments to the flight plan may be possible.
Regine Barth, the Hessian Commissioner for Aircraft Noise Protection, has proposed reviewing the route between Wixhausen and Erzhausen.
The study will examine whether aircraft can be guided even more consistently in the middle between the two locations.
Furthermore, air traffic control was advised to avoid direct overflights of Wixhausen whenever possible, even though these are generally permitted.
Environmental officer Michael Kolmer announces that he will take up these proposals in the aircraft noise commission.
“If an opportunity for implementation arises here, it must absolutely be seized in my view,” Kolmer emphasizes.
Decision expected in early December
With the upcoming meeting of the flight noise commission at the beginning of December, an important decision regarding the future of the Cindy S departure route is imminent.
The city of Darmstadt intends to advocate for the permanent continuation of the relocation, while at the same time pushing for improvements for the particularly burdened areas in Wixhausen.
Further information and the presentations from the public event can be found at www.darmstadt.de/fluglaerm .
The complete investigation documents are available from the Airport and Region Forum in its download section for departure route Cindy S.
The most important information
Subject: Relocation of the Cindy S departure route at Frankfurt Airport
Current results: Presented on October 23, 2026 at the Airport and Region Forum
Relieved Darmstadt districts: In particular Arheilgen and Kranichstein, as well as the southern edge of Wixhausen
Additional burden: Northern edge of Wixhausen
Regional impact: Depending on the calculation of the Frankfurt aircraft noise index, up to 20,000 people will benefit from the relief.
Position of the city council: Maintain the rerouted departure route
Demands: Rapid passive noise protection measures, reduction of nighttime aircraft noise pollution and examination of further route optimizations
Next important date: Meeting of the aircraft noise commission at the beginning of December 2026
Further information: www.darmstadt.de/fluglaerm
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
