Homeowners enduring a long wait of 12 years for resolution
Berlin, Germany
A persisting dispute over flight noise compensation lingers as homeowners struggle for financial assistance. Nearly 22,800 applicants, including Andreas Glaser (64) from Blankenfelde, have applied to BER for soundproofing reimbursement. Despite neighboring homeowners receiving compensation of around €45,000 each, Glaser remains uncompensated.
In 2013, Glaser submitted an application for soundproofing cost coverage. He resides in a terraced house, but the engineering firm responsible for the review criticized his self-built attic, deeming the window area insufficient for consideration as living space. The firm demanded a building permit.
Despite receiving confirmation from the building authority that the room was suitable for living, Glaser encountered an unexpected obstacle. "BER did not accept this confirmation. According to the employee, the building authority had allegedly misinterpreted the building code for years," said the frustrated homeowner.
In response, Glaser opted to only soundproof his windows, forfeiting facade insulation. BER assessed the reimbursement costs at €24,000. However, due to escalating construction costs, Glaser estimates an additional €30% would be required, borne personally by him.
"The construction measure must be completed by the end of the year to receive the compensation. But given the current situation, companies cannot manage it within this timeframe," he lamented.
Established many years ago, the BER soundproofing program aims to mitigate unavoidable noise for approximately 26,500 households within a 155 km2 area surrounding BER. Over €475 million have been invested thus far. The soundproofing and compensation perimeter stretches approximately 40 kilometers from Ludwigsfelde in the west to Gosen in the east.
At the end of April 2025, BER had received 22,755 applications for soundproofing measures, out of which 579 are still pending or unprocessed (89). Applicants have until 4 November 2025 to submit their soundproofing applications in full.
It remains unclear why 668 applications for soundproofing measures under BER's soundproofing program remain undecided. For accurate details, consult official communication from BER or the relevant administrative body managing the soundproofing program.
In the context of Berlin, Germany, an ongoing dispute concerning flight noise compensation includes Andreas Glaser, a homeowner in Blankenfelde who applied for soundproofing reimbursement in 2013. Despite the investment of over €475 million in the real-estate industry for soundproofing projects surrounding BER Airport, Glaser's application remains unresolved due to bureaucratic hindrances, delaying his investing in necessary soundproofing measures for his property.
