Working group calls for stronger climate and aircraft noise protection in the Rhine-Main area
The Rhine-Main Municipal Working Group (KAGZRM) has issued strong criticism of the German government's new aviation strategy. According to the working group, environmental and health aspects are not adequately considered in the strategy paper. The KAGZRM unites 36 municipalities from the Rhine-Main region, as well as the Alliance of Citizens' Initiatives (BBI) and the Hessian branch of the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND).
With its new aviation strategy, the German Federal Government aims to strengthen Germany's position as a leading aviation nation and expand the industry's competitiveness. From the perspective of the KAGZRM (Association of German Aviation Companies), however, the focus is primarily on the growth of air traffic.
Criticism of climate protection goals
The working group criticizes the fact that while climate neutrality by 2050 is formulated as a goal, concrete measures and binding requirements for implementation are largely lacking.
According to the KAGZRM, relying solely on technological developments and financial incentives is insufficient. Instead, binding measures are necessary to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the burden on the population.
“A future-proof aviation strategy must ensure compliance with ambitious climate targets and protect our natural resources. At the same time, clear and binding targets for reducing aircraft noise pollution are needed,” explains Thomas Will, Chairman of the Board of KAGZRM.
Concerns about Frankfurt Airport
The KAGZRM (Association of German Airport Operators) is particularly critical of the potential impact on Frankfurt Airport. The commissioning of Terminal 3 has created additional capacity that could enable further growth in air traffic.
Furthermore, the working group views the demand for greater flexibility in airport operating hours critically. The strategy paper proposes that more airports should operate 24 hours a day in the future and be increasingly used as civilian and military alternate airports.
The KAGZRM fears that Frankfurt Airport could also be affected in the long term. In particular, they are concerned that existing night flight restrictions could be relaxed or that exceptions could be granted more frequently.
Call for a longer night flight ban
The working group has been calling for an extension of the night flight ban at Frankfurt Airport for years. Currently, it is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. According to the KAGZRM, the period should be extended to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The organization cites scientific findings that show nighttime aircraft noise is particularly detrimental to health. Many flights are already concentrated in the hours before and after the night flight ban, disrupting the sleep of many residents.
No further flight movements required
According to its own statement, the KAGZRM rejects any increase in flight movements at Frankfurt Airport beyond the approved figures. More air traffic means additional noise pollution, higher pollutant emissions, and further burdens for the population in the Rhine-Main region.
Furthermore, the working group demands the abolition of financial incentives that are intended to promote further growth in air traffic at Frankfurt Airport.
“Economic interests must no longer be pursued at the expense of the health and quality of life of the people in the region,” KAGZRM concludes.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
