The Higher Administrative Court (OVG) of Münster has confirmed the extension of operating hours at Dortmund Airport, which was approved by the Münster District Government in June 2023.
This decision allows the airport to continue to use the evening off-peak hours for air traffic. A lawsuit brought by three private individuals against this authorization was dismissed. This means that the current operating hours remain in place: scheduled take-offs are permitted from 06:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. and landings until 23:00 p.m., delayed flights can take place until 23:30 p.m. 16 delayed flight movements are permitted per month.
The airport's managing director, Ludger van Bebber, welcomed the ruling and stressed that the extended operating hours improve the airport's competitiveness and offer more flexibility. In 2021, the Higher Administrative Court had already recognized the need for the additional movements during the off-peak hours to ensure the airport's competitiveness, but identified deficiencies in noise protection. These were remedied in the second supplementary permit. The Higher Administrative Court did not allow an appeal against the ruling. However, the plaintiffs can file a non-admission complaint with the Federal Administrative Court.
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