Petition started: Residents defend themselves against aircraft noise at BER!

Petition started: Residents defend themselves against aircraft noise at BER!

The residents of the communities of Schulzendorf, Eichwalde and Zeuthen are sending a strong signal against aircraft noise at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The petition that was started against the loud and low planes is gaining more and more support. By Monday evening, 482 signatures had already been collected, which underlines the urgency of the issue. Moz.de reports The petition calls for aircraft to take off significantly higher and more quietly in order to reduce noise pollution.

The current takeoff process, known as “Intersection Take Off,” results in a lower flying and therefore louder flight. Residents complain about noise pollution, which has a critical impact on the quality of life. Mayor Jörg Jenoch, as chairman of the “Protection Association for the Surrounding Communities of Schönefeld Airport”, sees an urgent need for action. He not only criticizes the noise development, but also that the responsible authorities are afraid to take responsibility.

Aircraft noise measurements and health risks

The noise measurements on June 14, 2025 prove the extent of the problem: The Iberia IB1802, which took off from the middle of the runway, recorded 73.6 decibels at 910 meters in Schulzendorf, while the Turkish Airlines TK 1730, which took off from the beginning of the runway, only generated 72.3 decibels at 1100 meters. These figures show that launch operations from the middle of the runway cause louder noise, making the situation even more unbearable for local residents.

The health consequences of such noise exposure should not be underestimated. Airport residents are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and sleep disorders, according to a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. These findings underscore the need for a rigorous ban on night flights, especially in times of high sleep sensitivity. BIG aircraft noise demands appropriate measures by the legislature.

The pressure on politicians is increasing

The petition, which is aimed directly at the Brandenburg state parliament, is not only aimed at minimizing “intersection take offs”. It is demanded that the state government actively supports the normalization of take-offs from the beginning of the runway. The negative effects of aircraft noise become more pronounced, particularly at night, which is fueling calls for clear government responsibility for noise reduction. The Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Administrative Court have repeatedly emphasized the state's obligation to reduce noise and are calling for the corresponding measures.

One proposal to reduce the noise would be to close taxiways to allow aircraft to fly at higher altitudes over populated areas. This could result in a significant reduction in noise pollution for residents. But the airport itself defends the practice of “intersection take offs” and describes them as internationally common. Such take-offs only make up a small part of the flight movements.

For more than 300,000 people who live near airports, aircraft noise is a real problem. Mayor Jenoch describes the airport as a “bad neighbor” and is concerned about the health and well-being of local residents. Most recently, over 7,000 signatures were collected against a possible shift in the Hoffmann curve, which further strengthens the recently submitted demands.

The coming weeks will be crucial to see whether pressure from citizens and scientific findings will lead to a rethink by those responsible. The residents in Brandenburg stay tuned and are actively involved in their interests.