The districts of Waldshut, Lörrach, Konstanz, and Schwarzwald-Baar have submitted a joint statement to the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) on time regarding the planned changes to Zurich Airport. The affected German regions reject the proposed adjustments to the airport's so-called "object sheet" in its current form.
The Sectoral Transport Plan, Aviation Infrastructure (SIL), establishes the framework for the operation and development of Zurich Airport. On this basis, the airport can submit applications to the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) for changes to the operating regulations or construction projects. During the current consultation period, which runs until March 14, 2025, German border regions also had the opportunity to comment. The four districts are particularly demanding a significant reduction in aircraft noise for the municipalities in southern Baden, as already called for by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2021.
In their statement, the German district authorities criticized the fact that the various noise reduction measures are intended to gradually expand Zurich Airport's capacity. Martin Kistler, District Administrator of the Waldshut District, described the SIL's proposed draft as "old wine in new bottles" and complained that a significant improvement in the noise situation for the German population was once again not taken into account.
Despite their rejection, the districts emphasize their willingness to engage in dialogue with the Swiss authorities. The decision on the final version of the sectoral plan will be made by the Swiss Federal Council.
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