Aircraft Noise demos from Frankfurt to Berlin Thousands of German noise opponents protest in several cities
There have been major protests at several German airports today, against aircraft noise, with whistles, drums and banners. There were about 20,000 protestors at Frankfurt protesting against noise from the new runway that opened in October. This was the largest protest at the airport since the opening . The police estimated the number of participants to 7,700, the organizers – a coalition of citizens’ groups against the airport expansion – spoke of 20,000 people. There were also demonstrations at Berlin, Leipzig, Munich and Dusseldorf.
Aircraft Noise demos from Frankfurt to Berlin
Thousands noise opponents protest in several cities
http://www.heute.de/ZDFheute/inhalt/3/0,3672,8469667,00.html
(original article in German, with web based translation to English – not perfect !)
Citizens to the barricades: Thousands of people have protested against aircraft noise. At Frankfurt airport, making up to 20,000 people with whistles and drums air their anger. Also demonstrations at Berlin, Leipzig, Munich and Dusseldorf.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Saturday in Frankfurt’s airport, in protest against the increasing noise pollution in the region. In the central departure hall of Terminal 1, they caused a deafening noise with whistles and chants. Many drummed it on buckets, cookie jars and other containers. Some wore ear muffs. “Aircraft noise causes illness”, according to many posters.
So far, the greatest noise-protest in the terminal
It was the largest protest at the airport. The police estimated the number of participants to 7,700, the organizers – a coalition of citizens’ groups against the airport expansion – spoke of 20,000 people. There were no incidents. After a kick-off rally, the demonstrators marched to the airport building.
The protestors support a complete ban on night flights, some of the closure. The new runway opened in October. Among the demonstrators were representatives of the protest movement and Stuttgart 21 airport and opponents from Berlin, where there was a demonstration at the same time. At the beginning of the protests, the police blocked a portion of the terminal. The reason was an abandoned suitcase, standing beside the entrance to Hall A. It later turned out to be harmless.
Fraport shows understanding
Since the opening of the new Runway Northwest in late October the protest against aircraft noise has become increasingly stronger. Some residents protest at Frankfurt Airport since November regularly on Monday nights against the noise. According to civic initiatives, there are up to 5,000 participants taking part.
Hundreds of opponents of noise in Berlin
In Berlin, hundreds of aircraft noise opponents protested in the departure hall of theBerlin-Schönefeld airport. With posters and promotions such as drums, whistles and chanting to protest against aircraft noise, which they fear from the new Berlin Brandenburg airport when it opens. Their demands include an absolute ban on night flights 22.00 to 06.00. The airport is due to go into operation in June. Had called the Coalition for Berlin-Brandenburg (ABB).
The protests in Frankfurt and Berlin were part of a nationwide day of action against aircraft noise. At the same time there were demonstrations at airports in Leipzig, Munich and Dusseldorf.
Infobox
Epidemiologist: Aircraft noise causes illness
According to the epidemiologist Eberhard Greiser, the science is now agreed that there is a causal link between noise and heart and circulatory disease. “In other words, heart attack, stroke, heart failure and coronary heart disease,” Greiser said on Saturday in Germany Kultur. Aircraft noise is harmful, especially at night. For a study on the impact of aircraft noise Greiser had analyzed data from one million policyholders in the area of Cologne / Bonn.
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