KAGZRM warns of increasing noise pollution and demands the opening of the planning approval decision
The Rhine-Main Municipal Working Group (KAGZRM) is once again warning of increasing noise pollution in the region . The warning stems from a planned adjustment to the operating concept at Frankfurt Airport , which, according to member municipalities, amounts to circumventing the existing planning approval .
Criticism of exceptions and lack of transparency
The focus is on the practice of the German Air Navigation Service (DFS) of regularly granting so-called individual clearances , which deviate from the operating procedures stipulated in the planning approval process. According to the KAGZRM (Committee for Air Traffic Control and Management), these exceptions, originally intended to manage weather or traffic situations, have become a permanent instrument . This raises the question of whether the underlying operational concept of the process is still viable .
The KAGZRM is therefore calling for a legal review to determine whether current operational practices still comply with the original decision – and whether a formal reopening of the planning approval is necessary. This would allow for the formulation of new requirements and a stronger focus on protecting the population from noise
Doubts about the air traffic control's argument
Furthermore, the working group expresses doubts about DFS's justificationthat certain changes – such as those concerning the handling of twin-engine large aircraft – are unavoidable for safety reasons. It also needs to be examined whether court rulings actually preclude an effective capacity limitation .
“If the existing operating concept no longer works, this cannot be silently accepted – clear consequences are needed, especially by limiting the number of slots to a safe and orderly quantity,” emphasizes District Administrator Thomas Will, Chairman of the KAGZRM.
Demand for transparency and participation
The member municipalities are demanding greater transparency, an open legal reassessment of operational practices , and stronger public involvement. From the perspective of the KAGZRM (Association of Municipalities of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region), the airport operator Fraport not be able to retreat to legal or operational arguments if the burden on the region continues to increase.
(GROSS-GERAU DISTRICT – RED/PSGG)
