The Austrian Federal Government intends to change the Aviation Act and Airport Charges Act. The corresponding amendment passed the Federal Council on Thursday. According to State Secretary Magnus Brunner (ÖVP), improvements in the area of ​​noise protection should also be included.

“The financing of the Austrian airports is secured. With these amendments, the collapse of airport charges will be prevented and the security of Austria's aviation will be strengthened. The federal government is taking legal action against this, because otherwise the airports would lose their economic basis. We are not only securing the level of fees and thus income for the Vienna hub airport in times of crisis - especially the regional airports, which were hit hard by the crisis, receive planning security ”, said the ÖVP politician.

Another new feature is that airports will in future not need a permit under the Aviation Act to set up solar and photovoltaic systems. Mandatory noise measurements and the publication of the results at all six Austrian airports are also new. In addition, noise fee models will become mandatory - louder aircraft will in future pay higher fees than quieter ones: "This is an important step towards effective noise protection," says Brunner. Noise-reducing technical devices on airplanes should also be taken into account in the noise charge models: “This will promote innovation and retrofitting of aircraft. Vortex generators divert the air flow and thus reduce noise emissions during landings ”.