Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) recorded an increase in flight movements of almost eight percent in February of this year compared to the previous year. Specifically, there were 13.410 takeoffs and landings. For airport operators and the aviation industry, this is a positive indicator of economic recovery and increasing demand for air traffic. However, this increase has had noticeable effects on many residents, particularly in the communities surrounding the airport's southern border – primarily in the form of increased aircraft noise.
SPD state parliament members Tina Fischer and Ines Seiler recently submitted an inquiry to the Brandenburg Ministry of Transport regarding aircraft noise. The ministry's response, which has now also been reported in the media, sheds light not only on the current noise situation, but also on the technical background of the increased flight movements and the concerns of residents who feel increasingly affected by the noise pollution.
More flight movements and shortened runways
A key factor in the increase in aircraft movements in February was the increased use of so-called "intersection takeoffs." This technique involves shortened runways that allow aircraft to take off faster and thus complete more flight movements in a shorter period of time. This shortened takeoff distance often results in aircraft having a "significant overshoot" to the east over the A113 motorway after takeoff. This means that aircraft fly more over the southern surrounding communities, significantly increasing noise pollution in these areas.
The proportion of shortened takeoffs has increased significantly since the opening of BER Airport. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, almost every second takeoff at BER Airport is now an "intersection takeoff." SPD MPs Fischer and Seiler pointed out in their question that this percentage has now reached nearly 70 percent. This is leading to a significant increase in noise in the affected areas.
The demand for changes: Fewer shortened starts
Due to this development, the BER Aircraft Noise Commission (FLK) has made a clear demand: the shortened takeoffs should be largely eliminated. The FLK emphasizes that the increasing noise pollution caused by intersection takeoffs not only impairs the quality of life of local residents but also jeopardizes the airport's acceptance in the region. SPD MPs support this demand and call for a return to longer runways to reduce noise emissions and relieve the affected areas.
The impact of satellite-based navigation
In addition to the shortened runways, residents also fear additional noise pollution from the introduction of satellite-based navigation. This technology is expected to revolutionize flight control at BER in the near future by enabling more precise and efficient flight routing. However, according to an initial statement from the Ministry of Transport in January 2025, the departure procedures in the vicinity of the airport will not change as a result of this change. The German Air Traffic Control (DFS) has assured that aircraft will continue to follow their current flight routes, some of which pass through less populated areas.
However, SPD MPs Fischer and Seiler doubt this statement. They point to the so-called Hoffmann curve, a special course that aircraft must take immediately after takeoff. This course usually leads east, with pilots reaching a certain altitude and performing a sharp right turn. The problem, raised by the MPs and some experts, is that fully loaded aircraft cannot always complete this turn at the prescribed minimum altitude. In such cases, they fly further east, over densely populated areas that, according to the original planning, lack adequate noise protection. This could lead to a significant worsening of the noise situation in the affected communities.
Open questions and political debate
The Ministry of Transport's response demonstrates that the state government's decision to avoid intersection takeoffs is still in its infancy. There are still open questions regarding the precise impacts of the new technology and the associated noise forecasts. The political debate on how to properly address aircraft noise is expected to continue for several more months, especially as the introduction of satellite-based navigation is expected to progress further in the coming years.
The situation is tense for residents south of the airport. They are demanding concrete measures to reduce noise pollution, especially in areas subject to increased overflight traffic due to the shortened runways and new flight paths. Political decision-makers in Brandenburg must now carefully consider how to reconcile the interests of the airport operators and residents without further compromising the quality of life of the citizens.