The decision by a German court to uphold a night-time flight ban at Frankfurt Airport will damage the city’s reputation as one of the world’s premier gateways for international trade and harm the local and national economy, The International Air Cargo Association has warned.
Despite 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.
Oliver Evans, chair of TIACA’s industry affairs committee, pointed out that 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.”
