Düsseldorf Airport No Longer Wants Extra Starts - Düsseldorf Airport halts expansion, keeps strict flight limits for peak season
Düsseldorf Airport has dropped its plans for unrestricted expansion. Instead, it will keep the existing limit of 131,000 flight movements during peak season. CEO Lars Redeligx announced the decision on December 16, 2025, after reviewing current operations and community concerns.
The airport has recorded over 155,000 takeoffs and landings in the past 11.5 months—well below its full capacity. Yet officials have chosen to maintain strict controls rather than push for further growth.
Under the revised plan, the total cap of 131,000 movements between May and October will stay unchanged. However, the airport has proposed adjusting how these slots are allocated. When two runways are active, hourly flight movements could rise from 47 to 60. This change aims to improve efficiency without increasing overall traffic.
To free up more slots for passenger flights, the airport intends to reduce the quota set aside for general aviation. The nighttime flight ban from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM will remain in force, ensuring no changes to overnight restrictions. A formal application to keep the current cap has already been submitted.
Redeligx’s announcement follows months of discussion about balancing growth with environmental and noise concerns. Despite operating below capacity, the airport has opted for stability over expansion, focusing instead on optimising existing operations.
The decision keeps Düsseldorf Airport’s peak-season movements at 131,000, with no increase in total flights. Adjustments to hourly rates and general aviation quotas may streamline operations. The nighttime ban and overall cap remain unchanged, reflecting a cautious approach to future planning.
