Saxony Boosts Leipzig/Halle Airport Infrastructure with 24 Million Euros
In a bid to enhance the Leipzig/Halle Airport's expansion plan, Saxony has earmarked 24 million euros from its 2023/24 double budget for traffic-improving measures, as announced by the State Chancellery on Tuesday. This move is expected to bolster the region's economic growth, as per Saxony's Minister President, Michael Kretschmer (CDU). Kretschmer referred to the project as a state priority.
Improving Quality of Life and Environment
As the airport might bring added noise and environmental issues to local residents, the implementation of noise and environmental protection measures is a crucial part of the strategy, noted Transport Minister Martin Dulig (SPD). The measures aim to enhance the quality of life in affected communities while adapting the transport network to meet local needs.
The strategy includes up to 30 transport projects, spanning road and cycling infrastructure, as well as the construction of a new indoor swimming pool in Schkeuditz. This new facility will contain six lanes, a teaching pool, and a paddling pool, and is anticipated to cost roughly 25 million euros. Saxony will contribute up to 21 million euros towards this project. It's worth noting that the old pool, closed in 1996, will give way to this modern establishment.
Left-Wing Criticisms
Marco Böhme, the mobility policy spokesperson for the left-wing parliamentary group, marked the state government's measures as "failed symbolic politics." He argued that the proposals did not aim to address the lack of genuine noise protection for nearby residents. Böhme highlighted that a new indoor swimming pool would not contribute to respite from aircraft noise.
Airport Expansion and Local Resistance
The Leipzig/Halle Airport, situated on the border of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, ranks as the second-largest cargo airport in Germany. Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG has announced plans to invest 500 million euros in further expansion, including the creation of more parking spaces for cargo planes. Night flights by cargo aircraft are currently permitted in Leipzig/Halle.
Local concern and backlash have resulted in more than 1,500 objections being submitted to the State Directorate of Saxony regarding the airport’s expansion plans. The objections are currently under examination. The timeframe for making a decision on the planning approval procedure is yet to be announced.
Sources:
The 24 million euros allocated by the Free State of Saxony will primarily fund traffic-improving measures at the Leipzig/Halle Airport in Saxony-Anhalt. The airport expansion is expected to contribute positively to the economic growth in the surrounding region. In addition to road and cycle traffic projects, the construction of an indoor swimming pool in Schkeuditz is also being funded. The state government’s measures have drawn criticism as “failed symbolic politics”, with concern that the indoor pool will not resolve adjacent residents’ noise-related issues. Further expansion plans for the Leipzig/Halle Airport, including the addition of cargo aircraft parking spaces, are underway. Concerns from local residents have led to the submission of more than 1,500 objections to the State Directorate of Saxony regarding the expansion plans.
