New Operational Concept to Enhance Capacity and Minimize Noise Impact at Frankfurt Airport
(IN SHORT) DFS and Fraport have presented a refined operational concept for Frankfurt Airport to ensure sustainable and stable operations amid expected traffic growth. The new plan, which incorporates flexible traffic management and optimized use of existing flight routes, will help meet capacity limits and minimize noise impact in the surrounding region. The concept is designed to be implemented as the airport reaches 110 aircraft movements per hour and will form the basis for a redefined noise abatement zone expected by the end of 2026.
(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 2025-Jun-4 — /Travel PR News/ — DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS) and Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, have unveiled a refined operational concept designed to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic at the airport in the coming years. The refined concept aims to maintain stable, safe, and sustainable operations, while minimizing noise impact on the surrounding region.
The concept, presented to representatives of districts, cities, and municipalities, outlines a plan for optimizing traffic flow as Frankfurt Airport reaches its capacity limit of 110 aircraft movements per hour. The refined operational concept introduces flexibility in traffic management, allowing for more frequent use of northwest departure routes during peak traffic periods. The southerly bypass will continue to be used during times of lower demand, ensuring a balanced and efficient approach to operations.
This new operational framework forms the basis for the redefinition of the airport’s noise abatement zone, which is currently under review and expected to be finalized by the end of 2026. DFS and Fraport are working closely with the Noise Abatement Commission (FLK), the Hessian Ministry of Transport (HMWVW), and the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF) to ensure that the new concept meets both operational and environmental objectives.
Enhancing Capacity and Minimizing Noise Impact
The current operational concept is nearing its capacity limit, especially during peak times, when take-offs from the central runway via the southerly bypass face increasing restrictions. The refined concept allows for a more efficient distribution of traffic, with northwest departure routes being used more frequently during peak periods. These routes are less dependent on other operations and benefit from modern performance-based navigation (PBN), which optimizes take-off and approach procedures.
Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm, Executive Director Aviation and Infrastructure at Fraport AG, commented, “We anticipate increased traffic volume at Frankfurt Airport in the long term. During traffic peaks, we are already seeing capacity bottlenecks. The refined operational concept will be essential once we reach the capacity of 110 aircraft movements per hour. Working closely with DFS, we are ensuring the future growth of the airport while minimizing disruptions to the surrounding community.”
Dirk Mahns, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DFS, added, “Together with Fraport, we have carefully examined various options. The new operational concept utilizes existing flight routes and optimizes traffic flow to meet both safety and capacity requirements, while also considering the needs of the surrounding region. We are aware that the northwest routes will experience more overflights, but this approach allows us to safely accommodate future growth while minimizing environmental impact.”
Sustainable Operations for the Future
The refined operational concept is designed to be implemented when the capacity reaches 110 aircraft movements per hour, which is expected to occur in the near future. By increasing the use of northwest departure routes and maintaining the southerly bypass for lower demand periods, the plan aims to improve the overall efficiency of the airport while reducing noise exposure in the region.
DFS and Fraport are committed to creating a sustainable and efficient air traffic management solution that can accommodate future growth while minimizing its environmental impact.
Media contact:
Maria Linden
Communications Manager – Airside and Terminal Operations
+49 69 690 – 70557
m.linden@fraport.de
DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH
Presscontact
Ute Otterbein
Phone: +49 (0) 6103 707 4162
E-Mail: presse@dfs.de
SOURCE: Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport
