The Freising Citizens' Association has long advocated for the measurement of ultrafine particulate matter (UFP) at Munich Airport, which they believe poses significant health risks due to engine exhaust emissions. With the new EU air quality directive that mandates UFP measurements at pollution hotspots coming into effect in December 2024, they were hopeful for robust action. However, recent reports indicate that the state government plans to simply replace one measurement station with another and shift it from Hallbergmoos to Eitting, rather than establishing a monitoring station closer to the airport as they had requested. The existing station in Freising will remain operational, but activists are concerned it will not adequately address the pollution issues linked to airport traffic.

This development has raised alarms within the local community, as the Freising Citizens' Association emphasizes that without direct measurements at the airport, it will be challenging to accurately assess the health risks posed by aircraft emissions. Since 2017, they have been vocal about the dangers of air pollution associated with the airport and have called for policy changes to tackle this issue more effectively. These calls have been supported by an ongoing study commissioned by the environmental federal agency, which is expected to shed light on the impact of UFPs on public health.

As the regulations are implemented and monitored, the Freising community will remain vigilant, pressing state authorities for more comprehensive measures that prioritize health and environmental protection. This situation illustrates the broader tensions between infrastructure development and public health advocacy, highlighting the need for thorough compliance with EU air quality standards to ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.