Upjever Air Base: New dedication brings uncertainty for Jever and Schortens!

Upjever Air Base: New dedication brings uncertainty for Jever and Schortens!

The Upjever air base, previously known as a scheduled airfield, is being given a new direction. From now on it will be re-purposed as an alternative airfield for the neighboring towns of Schortens and Jever. Mayor Jan Edo Albers of Jever announced this and emphasized that the dedication will not have a noticeable impact on the city right away. However, discussions with the Ministry of Defense to coordinate interests are likely to follow soon in order to clarify possible changes at an early stage. This is how nwzonline reports on the situation.

Another point that is still unclear concerns the areas in the approach path and the wind power considerations in Jever. Mayor Gerhard Böhling von Schortens made it clear that the city had been informed about the Ministry of Defense's plans and that discussions were taking place with various institutions, including the Bundeswehr and the Friesland district. The focus is particularly on the development of residential areas on Klosterweg, and citizens are excited to see what considerations will be initiated.

Influences on flight operations

It is to be expected that the re-dedication may also bring the noise protection regulations back into force, which were previously repealed when the airfield was de-designated in 2013. This could have a significant impact on planned construction projects in Schortens and Jever. “We will have to examine to what extent existing construction projects in former flight paths could suffer from possible noise protection requirements,” explained the mayor of Jever.

As the current information shows, the Air Force is already active and is using the Upjever Air Base for exercises. An exercise with various aircraft took place on August 5, 2025, including the C-130 Hercules. Residents had to expect aircraft noise between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and from Monday there were also night-time training flights, which meant additional noise. This makes it clear that the use of the air base could soon become routine for residents, reports ndr.

Aircraft noise and health

The discussion about the air base also raises the question of the health effects of aircraft noise. According to previous studies, exposure to aircraft noise at night can lead to sleep disorders and other physical and psychological problems. This is a focus of current research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The focus there is on the effects of noise on quality of life, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups such as children and older people. Concerns about the health consequences of aircraft noise have become increasingly important in recent years. DLR research shows that chronic aircraft noise has been proven to have negative effects on cognitive performance.

In summary, it can be said that the re-dedication of the Upjever Air Base brings with it both opportunities and challenges. The upcoming talks between the communities and the Ministry of Defense could be crucial for the further development of the region. Attention will have to be paid to noise protection measures and their impact on the quality of life of residents.