The Council for Permit Disputes, an independent administrative law board accountable to the Flemish Government, has annulled the environmental permit for Brussels Airport (BRU). Air Cargo Belgium (ACB) is not dissatisfied with the decision as it paves the way for a more satisfying alternative. The current permit, renewed in JUL24, contains more stringent environmental rules, such as a curb on movements to 240,000 by 2032 and fewer night operations during the weekends. According to home carrier, Brussels Airlines, these rules harm the airport and, moreover, are a violation of European law.
Before resorting to the new environmental rules, the Flemish Government should have gone through the ‘balanced approach’ procedure, Brussels Airlines claims. The ‘balanced approach’ concept states that noise reduction cannot be achieved by just capping capacity. First, it must be demonstrated that all other options have been tried and proven to be unworkable. “The argument of the Flemish Government that it had no time to follow this procedure, does not justify the illegality,” says the airline.
Air Cargo Belgium has not been an ardent supporter of the permit from the beginning, its Director Freek De Witte admits, CFG reported. “The guarantee that we may continue the operations till 2029 is positive. We are surprised about the ‘balanced approach’, which has not been applied before. We hope that we can work on a more satisfying framework, including the night operation.”
Brussels Airport says: “In its decision, the Council for Permit Disputes gave the Flemish Minister for the Environment until 30JUN29 to follow the European Balanced Approach procedure and deliver an amended permit. Brussels Airport will take all necessary steps to obtain a suitable permit in time to ensure the continuity of operations after 2029 but also the long-term development of the airport. Brussels Airport always strives to respect the balance between its connectivity and economic role on the one hand, and its impact on the environment on the other. The airport remains committed to its efforts for sustainable growth within its surroundings.”
