Germany’s Bavarian Administrative Court has upheld an earlier decision on planning permission for Munich Airport’s plans for a third runway. After five onsite inspections, 41 days of hearings and an intensive review of the 2,800 page planning permission decision by District Government of Upper Bavaria, the court dismissed 16 suits filed in objection to the official approval of the project.

Munich Airport said that in the opinion of the judges, the planning permission decision by the district government meets the applicable material and legal requirements and is therefore in compliance with the law.

“This is an extremely important signal for the future development of Munich Airport,” said Michael Kerkloh, the chairman and CEO of FMG, the Munich Airport operating company.

“The ruling underscores the fact that our planning, including the extensive measures taken to protect people and nature, have stood up to an exacting review by an independent court. As a result, Munich Airport still has the opportunity to handle the projected traffic growth in the coming years and maintain its position among Europe’s major air transportation hubs.” At the same time, Kerkloh emphasised that the dialog with the region and the stakeholders on all issues related to the expansion plans will continue.