SkyCell & MNG Airlines enhance ULD management
May 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM
The Swisstrans Magazine 03-04/2026 is Online
May 5, 2026 at 8:52 AM
At Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ), over 73% of cargo flight movements were recorded during nighttime hours in 2025. This is revealed in a response from the state government to a minor inquiry by the parliamentary group leader of Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen, Franziska Schubert. A total of 36,289 cargo flights took place between 10 PM and 6 AM, highlighting the burden on local residents. Additionally, 352 empty flights were recorded at night, with the state government stating that it has no information regarding the reasons for these empty flights.
Criticism of the State Government
Schubert expressed concern about the situation and criticized the state government’s response. „The state government’s blind flight is unacceptable. That almost three-quarters of all flights occur in the middle of the night is an enormous burden for the people in the region. This dimension of nighttime flight noise is intolerable. The Free State is involved in Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG and should not shy away from this issue,“ she stated.
The total number of cargo flight movements at Leipzig/Halle Airport in 2025 amounted to 49,634. Schubert pointed out that of the approximately 1,350 empty flights, one in four was conducted at night. Despite this high number, the state government sees no responsibility to question the necessity of these empty flights. „At the same time, the Free State pumps millions of euros into its airports every year. Where is the concern for the health of the people affected by nighttime flight noise? The state government bears shared responsibility and must finally live up to it,“ Schubert continued.
Demands for Action
The parliamentary group leader calls on the state government to take concrete measures. „Empty flights and their necessities must be systematically recorded, particularly nighttime positioning flights should be critically reviewed and reduced. The protection of the population from nighttime flight noise must be significantly strengthened. Especially with empty flights, the question arises whether they are truly unavoidable – or whether avoidable noise is being tolerated. The state government can no longer evade this responsibility,“ Schubert emphasized.
The development of cargo flight movements at Leipzig/Halle Airport over the past ten years shows a general increase, underscoring the significance of the location as a cargo hub. However, the current figures raise questions about the state government’s responsibility, particularly regarding the burdens on local residents.
