A new take-off procedure had to be introduced at Lux Airport due to security measures in Saarland, according to minister François Bausch.

A number of municipalities east of Findel airport are experiencing issues with noise pollution from aircraft following the new route introduced some months ago by the Air Navigation Administration (ANA). The new flight path sees southbound planes fly over more residential areas east of the airport.

As a result, more residents are affected by the noise pollution, despite the fact that the minimum flight altitude was increased from 1,700 to 2,200 feet.

In response to a parliamentary question filed by DP MPs Max Hahn and Claude Lamberty, the Minister of Mobility confirmed the above information. In addition, François Bausch explained the new take-off procedures were required following security measures imposed by military airspace in Saarland, Germany, where the US military uses a restricted area for aircraft training.

Luxembourg Airport has therefore had to adapt take-off patterns for flights heading south, but this has had a knock-on effect on noise pollution. Bausch added that the authorities are currently working alongside the ANA in order to decide whether the minimum flight altitude would benefit from an increase as part of a solution to the noise issue.