Hamburg Airport (HAM) is the fifth-largest airport in Germany, located about 8 km north of the city centre. In 2024, it handled approximately 13 million passengers and around 125,000 aircraft movements. The airport operates two intersecting runways and serves as a hub for domestic, European, and intercontinental flights. Its location within a densely populated urban area makes it one of the most noise-exposed airports in Germany.
Hamburg Airport is surrounded by residential areas, exposing hundreds of thousands of people in Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and parts of Lower Saxony to high levels of aircraft noise. Night-time operations, particularly late arrivals after 23:00, have escalated in recent years. Besides noise, ultra fine particles and other air pollutants pose significant health risks. Scientific studies link long-term exposure to aircraft noise with cardiovascular diseases, sleep disorders, and reduced quality of life.
The environmental association BIG Fluglärm Hamburg is a recognised environmental NGO representing noise-affected residents. We work through political advocacy, legal action, public campaigns, and media engagement to push for stricter noise protection, reduction of night flights, and transparency in airport operations. BIG also actively participates in local and regional noise protection bodies and cooperates with other national and European organisations.
The City of Hamburg and the State Government have so far refused to implement stricter curfews or significant noise reduction measures, often prioritising economic interests over health protection. The official stance is that the airport is a critical infrastructure for economic development. While acknowledging noise as an issue, the government relies heavily on voluntary agreements and has not enforced more effective operating restrictions.
Without substantial regulatory change, night-time noise and air pollution are likely to remain at current or higher levels. Passenger numbers are expected to grow, and new air traffic concepts, such as urban air mobility, could further increase noise exposure. BIG will continue to campaign for stronger regulations, better enforcement of existing rules, and recognition of health protection as a priority.
Friend of UECNA: BIG-Fluglärm Hamburg