Vienna Gets Final Court Approval For Third Runway

Austria's Supreme Administrative Court has confirmed the approval for the construction of a third runway at Vienna Airport.

In a legal process that has taken years, the court's final approval rejects a number of appeals from local residents and environmental groups.

Additional aircraft noise caused by the alignment of the proposed runway, particularly for approaches over the Vienna city area, were cited in objections to its construction. The court clarified that the third runway is not intended for landings over the Vienna city area during normal operations, and is intended to reduce noise pollution in the area.

The airport welcomed the decision, with board member Julian Jäger und Günther Ofner saying the “overly long process has come to a positive and incontestable decision. This decision ensures the long-term growth perspectives and competitiveness, not only for Vienna Airport but for the Austrian economy, industry, tourism and labour market.”

The airport said it will now analyse the court decision in detail and provide information about the next steps in the near future.

Vienna Airport saw an increase in passenger numbers of just under 11 percent for 2018 to 27 million. The airport expects to handle over 30 million this year.