Frankfurt Airport: Planned Operating Concept Directs More Departures Toward the Northwest

Background: Rising Traffic Figures

According to the airport operator Fraport, the new operating concept will only be used once traffic figures make it operationally necessary. In addition, the changes are necessary, according to Fraport, in order to ensure safe air traffic in the future as well. The previous concept could reach its limits from around 2030; until then, the existing operating concept remains in force.

The total number of people affected by aircraft noise will not rise, the Hessian Ministry of Economics and Transport explained. Instead, the noise is being shifted to other areas. According to the assessment of the Hessian Ministry of Economics and Transport, the new operating concept is nevertheless compatible with the applicable requirements.

More Noise in the Taunus

Additional aircraft noise is expected primarily in Flörsheim and in the Hattersheim district of Eddersheim (Main-Taunus-Kreis). The people there are already affected by landings during east operations today. According to previous information, also from the Hessian Ministry of Economics and Transport, the localities of Flörsheim and Hattersheim-Eddersheim (Main-Taunus-Kreis) will be particularly affected. This would mean more noise for the towns and municipalities located there.

Elsewhere, by contrast, relief is to be provided: residents in parts of Mainz and Wiesbaden could in future be less affected by aircraft noise. The reason is that the so-called southern bypass, with a widely drawn curve over Mainz and Wiesbaden, is to be used less frequently. In some places south of Frankfurt Airport it is also to become quieter, such as in Rüsselsheim and Nauheim (Landkreis Groß-Gerau).

Relief for Mainz, Wiesbaden, and the South

The planned new operating concept for Frankfurt Airport has been the subject of debate for months. The Aircraft Noise Commission welcomes the fact that Fraport has supplemented the new operating concept with additional noise protection measures. According to the Commission's view, the planned noise pause for takeoffs toward the northwest is to apply on a binding basis from 5 to 8 a.m. In addition, northwest departures are to be limited to what is strictly necessary, and further noise pauses are to be examined.

Position of the Aircraft Noise Commission

The Aircraft Noise Commission additionally complained about a lack of information and spoke of a "Kommunikationsdesaster." The Commission, which is convening for a special session in Raunheim, also represents the municipalities. The original draft was revised following strong criticism and supplemented with an additional noise protection package.

The new operating concept has been sharply criticized in previous statements, especially in the affected municipalities. The affected municipalities, however, demand binding rules. They fear that the concept in its current form leaves too much leeway. The particularly affected municipalities of Flörsheim, Hattersheim, and Hochheim have also announced that they are examining legal steps.

On Wednesday, the surrounding municipalities will deliberate on the concept; afterwards, they intend to explain their assessment at a press conference (12:30 p.m.). In doing so, they want to make their position clear vis-à-vis Fraport, the Ministry, and the public before possible decisions on the concept are taken.

Overall, it remains open how the new concept will ultimately be assessed politically and legally. Fraport and DFS point to operational necessities; the surrounding municipalities insist on more binding protection rules. The further debate is likely to continue beyond the summer of 2026.