Point Merge Stakeholder Event

Further to what we discussed during the event, we are not aware of cases where Point Merge implementation led to a failure, i.e. operations stopped because of not meeting objectives. Point Merge was decommissioned at Leipzig Halle Airport after some time with the introduction of parallel runway operations, but it is currently reconsidered. There have also been adjustments for e.g. Oslo or Lisbon as part of a normal improvement process, as discussed during the event.

There have also been studies regarding potential applications that did not lead to implementation. Not all such studies and/or rationale for decision were made public. Beyond its recognised multiple benefits, it is acknowledged and documented that Point Merge introduces changes in terms of trajectories at low altitude (concentration), airspace constraints (military areas, other flows, etc.), or transition to new operating method (e.g. compared to vectoring). The decision for implementation raises the general question of expected benefits versus the impact of a change. As far as we understand, the cost of the change is better accepted where there is a need for capacity increase. This may also explain known decisions for not implementing Point Merge.