New noise data on the rerouted departure path will be presented in September
The latest monitoring results for the rerouted departure route CINDY S confirm the previously calculated forecasts, according to the Airport and Region Forum. The now-presented aircraft noise measurements show a noticeable overall reduction in noise levels for the affected residents in the region.
The results were presented on Thursday (June 18) at a convention of the Airport and Region Forum. The study examined aircraft noise measurements in Messel, Egelsbach, Erzhausen, Weiterstadt, Wixhausen, Arheilgen, and Kranichstein.
Significant relief in Arheilgen
For Arheilgen, measurement data covering a full three-month comparison period is now available. The analysis shows a significant reduction in maximum noise levels, particularly for heavy intercontinental aircraft.
In Wixhausen, only one month's data has been analyzed so far. A moderate increase in measurements is evident on the northern edge of the village. This increase was already anticipated according to forecasts. At the same time, slight decreases in pollution levels were observed on the southern edge of the village.
City sees forecasts confirmed
Darmstadt's environmental and aircraft noise officer, Michael Kolmer, sees the previous assumptions confirmed.
"The currently available measurements from Wixhausen and Arheilgen show that the expected effects and the overall relief from the route change are clearly taking place," explains Kolmer.
The city of Darmstadt intends to fully inform the relevant bodies once all results are available in September and subsequently initiate political discussions. The rerouting of flight paths remains a topic requiring considerable discussion in the northern part of Darmstadt.
Alternating use is not an alternative
During the convention, calculations were also presented that examined the possibility of alternating use of the old and new flight paths. This so-called alternating use had been discussed as a possible alternative to rerouting the routes.
However, the calculations conclude that the overall noise pollution from aircraft in the region would increase significantly again. From the city's perspective, this model therefore does not represent a viable alternative.
Kolmer emphasizes that the city relies on facts and reliable data when evaluating flight paths. Current studies show that a fluctuating burden on different parts of the city would be difficult to justify.
Monitoring continues
The trial operation of the rerouted route, which has been running since July 10, 2025, will continue for the time being. According to the Federal Office for Air Navigation Services, this is not an officially time-limited trial operation, as such time limits for flight procedures are not legally provided for.
Rather, the route is being monitored as part of a special monitoring program by the Airport and Region Forum, the German Air Navigation Services and the Aircraft Noise Protection Officer of the State of Hesse.
The complete evaluation of the monitoring will be presented at the meeting of the flight noise commission on September 16, 2026. The results of the currently ongoing measurements in Kranichstein will also be presented there.
Further consultation is scheduled for the meeting of the flight noise commission on December 2nd. A recommendation regarding the future use of the CINDY/SULUS S/F flight route will also be decided at that time.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
