Düsseldorf Airport proposes increase in hourly flight capacity

Düsseldorf Airport has submitted a modified application for capacity adjustments, which will be available for public inspection starting September 2, 2026. Under the current plan, the total limit of 131,000 flight movements during the six busiest months of the year remains unchanged. However, the proposal seeks to reallocate existing quotas to favor commercial operations, increasing the allowance for scheduled and charter flights from 122,176 to up to 128,000 movements.

A key component of the application is an increase in hourly processing capacity. The airport is requesting to raise the number of coordinatable take-offs and landings from 47 to up to 60 per hour during its approved 56 weekly hours of dual-runway operation. Airport CEO Lars Redeligx stated that this represents a flexible use of existing capacity rather than an expansion of the overall framework.

Night flight regulations are expected to remain largely the same. Between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, the cap remains at 33 landings with no departures permitted, while a general night flight ban for regular scheduled and charter services continues from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The proposal has met resistance from local residents and neighboring municipalities, who express concerns regarding increased noise pollution during peak hours and potential delays in the evenings.