Airplane noise caused by new route Cindy-S”: Mayors united in protest!

Airplane noise caused by new route Cindy-S”: Mayors united in protest!

On August 30, 2025, several local representatives came together in Erzhausen to vent their dissatisfaction with Frankfurt Airport's new “Cindy-S” departure route. Mayors and city councilors from the surrounding towns of Egelsbach, Messel, Langen, Groß-Zimmern and Erzhausen agreed: The aircraft noise, which has been increasing since the start of test operations on July 10, 2025, has gone too far. The protest, which took place symbolically in front of a mourning hall in the local cemetery, was intended to draw attention to the pressing problems.

The route was created to reduce aircraft noise for citizens living in the north of Darmstadt. But now not only citizens in Mörfelden-Walldorf are complaining about increased noise pollution, but residents in the communities just mentioned are also experiencing a massive increase in aircraft noise. Mayor Tobias Wilbrand from Egelsbach reports additional noise from the airfield, which is also located there. This leads to a large number of complaints being received by city administrations.

Growing complaints and unclear communication

As the FNP reports, the citizens' initiatives are actively taking action against the new regulations under the motto "Stop Cindy-S". The mayors emphasize that they have received numerous letters in the last few weeks. In particular, the diversion of the route, which now runs between Wixhausen and Erzhausen - in contrast to the old route via Wixhausen and Arheilgen - caused surprise and displeasure. Mayor Thorsten Buhrmester from Messel explained that the number of complaints had actually increased, even though his community was not supposed to be affected according to the original flight plans. The new curves of the aircraft create more noise because they require more thrust.

In order to document the noise problem, a mobile noise measuring station will be installed in Erzhausen by November 30, 2025. Other cities in the area, such as Darmstadt, are also reporting an increase in complaints. In the first five days of the test operation, the city of Darmstadt reported 35 entries, many of which came from the same households. Mayor Thomas Winkler from Mörfelden-Walldorf expresses concern about the ongoing calls and emails reporting the increased noise.

Measures to reduce noise

German air traffic control (DFS) is under pressure after receiving numerous complaints about noise measurements. This has rejected allegations that Wixhausen is being flown over directly. Instead, the BFS argues that the increase in air traffic during the summer holidays and not the new route is the reason. It is also noteworthy that no specific noise protection area has yet been defined for the newly polluted municipalities, which significantly limits access to protective measures. “We are demanding a place on the commission that deals with aircraft noise,” emphasize the mayors concerned and are demanding more say, but have so far been rejected.

Anyone who thinks that the problem can be solved easily is wrong. Those responsible must prepare for a year of test operations during which comprehensive monitoring measures will be carried out. Residents in Arheilgen and Kranichstein, however, have reported a decrease in aircraft noise, which shows that the problem is complex.

It remains to be seen whether there will be a lawsuit against the trial operation. The affected communities want to closely monitor developments and, if necessary, take legal action to protect the quality of life of their citizens. Constant monitoring by the Environment and Neighborhood House (UNH) should provide further information about the effects of the new flight route. The future is uncertain, but the protests from residents make it clear: there is a need for action here. Everyone is required to find a solution that reduces noise and protects residents.