TIACA Condemns Night Flight Ban At Frankfurt Airport

An air freight group has condemned the verdict of a judge in the Leipzig-based Federal Administrative Court who endorsed the flight ban for cargo carriers at the Frankfurt Airport during night.

The International Air Cargo Association claims that the decision will damage the city’s reputation as one of the world’s premier gateways for international trade and harm the local and national economy.

Despite strong industry protests, the court’s decision means the ban on flights at Frankfurt between 2300hrs and 0500hrs will remain in force.

The judge also reduced the number of flights permitted one hour before and one hour after the night-time period.

In a press release, TIACA Industry Affairs Committee Chairman Oliver Evans stated: "We are extremely disappointed by the judge's decision to uphold the night-time ban. Slots are a major battle ground for airlines at major airports across the globe and in recent years to satisfy the requirements of passengers, all-cargo operations have been pushed into the hours of the day, and usually the night, when passengers don't want to fly.

"The air cargo industry has adapted to this and made it work. Today, night-time cargo flights are part of a seamless supply chain that means consumers and businesses can plan their stock levels and production schedules with confidence. This is now at risk.

"Until courts, businesses, industry and members of the public start to understand how much they rely on air cargo, the danger is that the decision made in Frankfurt could be repeated at other major gateways. If this happens, it s not only the air cargo that will suffer: local communities around those airports and national economies will also pay a higher price, both financially and environmentally."

The association is worried over a possible negative effect on the environment from larger trucking activities if all- freighter carriers were compelled to utilize other airdromes at the same time there may be price rise for everyday stuff for consumers because of elevated expenses of supply chain.