After more than a decade of legal disputes, the process to extend the operating hours of Dortmund Airport has been completed. On August 23, 2024, the Münster Higher Administrative Court dismissed the lawsuit brought by three private individuals against the second supplementary permit and thus declared the permit legally binding. With the expiry of the deadline for an appeal against non-admission on December 20, 2024, the case has been finally decided.
The airport is now allowed to continue flying during the so-called off-peak hours, which is particularly important for delayed take-offs and landings. Dortmund Airport's scheduled operating hours are from 06:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m., with the possibility of delayed take-offs until 22:30 p.m. and landings until 23:30 p.m. In addition, a total of 16 delayed take-offs and landings are permitted each month.
The discussion about extending operating hours began in late 2010, when the airport wanted to respond to increasing demand by adjusting its operating hours accordingly. After an initial approval in 2014, several court cases followed, which ultimately led to the confirmation of the extension in August 2024.
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