KAGZRM warns of increasing noise pollution and calls for the opening of the planning approval decision
The Municipal Working Group for the Future of the Rhine-Main Region (KAGZRM) is once again warning of increasing aircraft noise . This is prompted by a planned adjustment of the operating concept at Frankfurt Airport , which, according to member municipalities, amounts to a circumvention of the existing planning approval decision .
Criticism of exceptions and lack of transparency
The focus is on the practice of the German Air Traffic Control (DFS) regularly issuing so-called individual approvals , which deviate from the operating procedures established in the planning approval process. According to the KAGZRM, these exceptions, originally intended to deal with weather or traffic situations, have developed into a permanent instrument .
This raises the question of whether the operating concept underlying the procedure still viable .
The KAGZRM is therefore calling for a legal review to determine whether the current operational reality still complies with the original decision – and whether a formal revision of the planning approval decision is necessary. This would allow new requirements to be formulated and greater consideration given to protecting the public from noise
Doubts about the air traffic control's arguments
The working group also expresses doubts about the DFS's reasoning that certain changes—for example, in the handling of large twin-engine aircraft—are unavoidable for safety reasons. It also needs to be examined whether court rulings actually preclude effective capacity restrictions .
“ If the existing operating concept no longer works, this cannot be accepted silently – clear consequences are needed, in particular by limiting the slots to a safe and orderly amount,” emphasises District Administrator Thomas Will , Chairman of the KAGZRM.
Demand for transparency and participation
The member municipalities are demanding greater transparency, a public legal reassessment of operating practices , and greater public involvement . From the KAGZRM's perspective, the airport operator Fraport not resort to legal or operational arguments if the burden on the region continues to increase.
( GROSS-GERAU DISTRICT – RED/PSGG)
