The number of complaints against Findel is increasing. The government looks for a solution
Noise pollution is often the cause of sleep disturbance. This can lead to health problems. The Netherlands, for example, is seriously considering a ban on night flights. And what about Luxembourg? There is a night flight moratorium, but the problem remains.
The Grand Duke signed a ban on night flights in 1998, although it is not strict. The official working hours of Findel Airport are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. In addition, Luxair planes and the entire airport infrastructure must meet certain noise criteria. Except, of course, Findel is also the landing point for aircraft from other companies.
And that's where the problems lie. According to the latest estimates, about 80,000 people are regularly affected by noise. This is due to the airport's closeness to the capital and the very compact settlement. In addition, the noise trail of planes taking off and landing has a tightly focused pattern.
Another important issue was the increase in the number of night flights. These are mostly planes that land between 11:00 p.m. and midnight. While in July 2022 there were 94 flights, in July 2023 there were already 231 flights. Of course, the increase in the number of complaints is exponential.
The government has issued a decree to subsidize households in the path of the planes to reduce complaints and help the population as much as possible. The money received from the state can be spent on soundproofing the house. It is clear that this is not an absolute solution to the problem, but it can help residents to reduce the negative impact on sleep and the body.
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In October 2011, the Chamber of Deputies approved the draft law on financial aid for the soundproofing of houses. This measure is intended to help owners of residential buildings located in the municipalities of Betzdorf, Flaxweiler, Hesperange, Luxembourg, Niederanven, Sandweiler, and Schuttrange whose building permit was issued before August 31, 1986. Moreover, a building acoustics consultant must provide a report on how to improve the soundproofing of the house.
