Berlin Brandenburg Airport: More Flights and Amplified Noise for Surrounding Communities
Increased aircraft activities and associated noise disturbances in surrounding municipalities of BER airport - Increased aviation activity and associated noise levels affecting local neighborhoods
There were 13,410 flight movements at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in February 2023, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in activities equates to additional take-offs and landings, clamoring the attention—and ears—of many residents, particularly those residing in the southern neighboring municipalities. A recent inquiry from SPD state parliamentarians Tina Fischer and Ines Seiler concerning this escalating issue received a response from the Ministry of Transport in Potsdam, shedding light on the infamous noise issue, as initially reported by "Märkische Allgemeine".
The primary cause of the crescendo in noise levels is the growing number of aircraft employing intersection take-offs, taking advantage of a shortened runway to facilitate more flights per hour. Due to this shortened runway, most aircraft reportedly overshoot to the east over the A113 motorway, according to SPD parliamentarians. Since the commencement of BER's operations, the share of intersection take-offs has escalated to nearly 70%. As a consequence, the Flight Noise Commission (FLK) has advocated for a substantial reduction in shortened take-offs.
Heightened concerns loom over the anticipated introduction of satellite-guided navigation at BER, with fears of further noise pollution for nearby communities. The introduction of this technology has sparked a second query from the SPD parliamentary group in January 2023, to which the Ministry of Transport in Potsdam responded by referencing statements made by German Air Traffic Control (DFS) that asserted the departure procedure in the vicinity of BER would remain unchanged due to the technical switch in communication.
However, MPs Fischer and Seiler have disclosed that these statements are under scrutiny in expert circles, with particular focus on a specific aircraft path immediately following take-off, known as the "Hoffmann curve". After departing from the southern runway in an easterly direction, pilots are expected to achieve a specific altitude before executing a sharp right turn over less populated areas. However, fully-laden aircraft have failed to achieve this minimum altitude, leading to continued flight over densely populated communities. These communities, as per the planning decision, do not benefit from adequate noise protection. The state government's stance on the avoidance of intersection take-offs on the southern runway in an easterly direction is reportedly still undecided, according to the response.
In conclusion, the response to the inquiry regards the ongoing debate surrounding noise levels and operational procedures at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Aspirations for noise reduction and scrutiny of DFS statements, coupled with the controversy surrounding the "Hoffmann curve", demonstrate the complexities involved in striking the right balance between increased air traffic and noise management.
- In response to the rising concerns from SPD state parliamentarians Tina Fischer and Ines Seiler, the Ministry of Transport in Potsdam has advocated for a reduction in shortened take-offs at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), due to the increased noise levels in surrounding communities.
- The introduction of satellite-guided navigation at BER has sparked a second inquiry from the SPD parliamentary group, due to fears of further noise pollution for nearby communities, particularly focusing on a specific aircraft path immediately following take-off known as the "Hoffmann curve".
- The state government's stance on the avoidance of intersection take-offs on the southern runway in an easterly direction, which has been under scrutiny for continued flight over densely populated communities, is reportedly still undecided, as per the response to the inquiry. Additionally, vocational training programs could be beneficial for the workforce to address the need for navigating these complexities in airport policies and procedures.
