Munich Third Runway Runs Into Voter Opposition

An effort to build a third runway at Munich Airport, Lufthansa’s second hub after Frankfurt Airport, has failed after a regional referendum blocked the project. The referendum was initiated by local residents who argued the third runway should not be built because it would mean further environmental destruction and more noise. While the city of Munich, which is located about 25 miles south of the airport, would not have been affected by the noise pollution, local communities were fiercely opposed to it and found support from city residents. The city is a major shareholder in the airport, along with the state of Bavaria and the federal government. All three stakeholders must approve major projects, such as a new runway ...