Facts & Figures
Bremen Airport is an international commercial airport located practically in the middle of the city. The city center is only 3 km away, and the town hall can be reached by tram in 10 minutes. This inner-city location is the cause of the noise problem.
Noise Pollution and the Community
As the population of Bremen is shrinking, and Bremen urgently needs residents, more and more residential areas have been designated over the past 50 years. Strict night flight restrictions also led to people settling in the vicinity of the airport. With the expansion of the airport at the end of the last millennium, pressure to generate more flight movements also grew. This led to operating hours being extended. The status of home carrier was introduced, allowing flights to land until midnight without special permission. This right is now widely used—it is no longer an exception but has become the rule.
Citizens’ Influence
With the expansion of the airport at the end of the last millennium, pressure to generate more flight movements also grew. This led to operating hours being extended. The status of home carrier was introduced, allowing flights to land until midnight without special permission. This right is now widely used – it is no longer an exception but has become the rule. Bremen is home to Airbus, the company responsible for equipping Airbus wings. The runway for the Airbus Beluga had to be extended to transport these wing parts. In the course of a legal dispute, a contract was concluded with the neighboring municipality of Stuhr (representing all residents) that allows only the transporter to use this extended runway. To shorten the legal dispute, various noise protection measures for residents were laid down in a settlement. These regulations must continue to be defended, as various political parties are seeking to abolish them. In addition, a public complaints portal was initiated, as was the publication of the minutes from the aircraft noise commission meetings.
Governments’ Position
The airport is owned by the City of Bremen. This creates a constant conflict of interest. The airport has been operating at a loss for 25 years. Shrinking Population, the need to make Bremen attractive for foreign travellers and the attempt to reduce airport losses are seen as important features. As a result, the noise problem has never had a top priority.
Expected developments
From a climate perspective, it is essential that people fly less. Expert reports have already proven that mobility needs can be met with 30% fewer flights.
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