Living in proximity to BER Airport paints a picture of 20,700 households dealing with the exhausting din of aircraft traffic. Out of this number, almost 80% fall under the noise protection zone and are entitled to financial assistance or construction measures, as per the Ministry of Transport in Potsdam. A total of 21,800 applications for such measures or compensation have been processed by Flughafengesellschaft Berlin-Brandenburg (FBB), revealing that about 3,900 households have yet to apply for their entitlements.
Of these applications, around 7,600 households receive financial compensation, amounting to 30% of their home's market value. Approximately 13,150 households, on the other hand, are entitled to construction measures such as noise protection windows. In around 1,100 cases, on-site inspections didn't reveal a need for measures. The remaining 3,900 households stay quietly unmoved, seemingly deciding to endure the noise uncompensated.
The ministry insists that FBB has fulfilled its obligation per the planning approval, given that they have processed these applications. However, the application window remains open until November 2025, allowing late applicants to step in the game. FBB has had its day in court over 61 times thus far, winning in 35 instances and partially prevailing in two. Unfortunately, they've lost in six and settled in six other cases. In total, nine suits are still underway.
Compensation cases have been swiftly resolved by the ministry, while construction measures lag slightly behind. By September 2022, €473 million has been invested in noise protection, with FBB shelling out €70 million for construction projects and €298 million for homeowner compensation. The remaining was utilized to cover ancillary costs.
These figures and actions underscore the current standing of aircraft noise compensation at Germany's third-largest airport. The Ministry of Transport continues their efforts to oversee and improve the situation, ensuring that apprehensive households are aware of their entitlements and how to apply for them before the deadline.
