Frankfurt slammed with surprise night-flight ban

LUFTHANSA and Fraport were hit with a surprise ban on all night flights at Frankfurt airport this week.

Germany’s regional administrative court decreed the temporary ban until a ruling has been made on a court case with local residents, complaining about noise.

The ban will come into effect on 30 October, the day that Frankfurt’s new fourth runway is due to become operational.

Lufthansa cargo responded with shock to the news. “This will have a huge financial impact,” said spokesman Michael Goentgens. “Coming this close to our winter schedule means it is almost impossible to react.”

Goentgens said Lufthansa Cargo will be operating an emergency schedule to try and ensure as full service as possible but he estimated the monetary loss would be significant. The airline is currently checking its legal options but with it being a court ruling the chances of any compensation or a rapid decision change is remote.

For the full story read the next issue of Air Cargo News dated 17 October 2011.