Düsseldorf Airport resubmits expansion application

Düsseldorf Airport has resubmitted an application to expand its operating permit, a move that has faced significant opposition from local residents and civic groups. The citizens' association ‘Bürger gegen Fluglärm e. V.’, along with various local initiatives, previously blocked a similar attempt in 2015 through mass objections.

The new application includes a cap of 131,000 flight movements during the six busiest months, a concession that critics argue is negligible as the airport has not reached these levels in recent years. For example, in 2025, the airport recorded approximately 94,500 movements during that period.

Despite the cap, the expansion seeks to increase hourly peak values from 47 to 60 take-offs and landings per hour. It also aims to increase flexibility for using the second runway and maintains current levels for night flights, which remains a primary concern for local residents regarding noise and emissions.