Brussels Airport’s environmental permit, granted in March 2024 by the Flemish government, has been overturned by the Belgian Council for Permit Disputes. The reason for the revocation is a breach of mandatory EU consultation procedures.
As the expiration date of the previous environmental permit approached (8 July 2024), Brussels Airport Company applied for a new permit. The Flemish government was involved, as the airport is situated in Zaventem, a Flemish municipality near Brussels.
The new environmental permit was thus granted in March 2024 by former Flemish Environment minister Zuhal Demir. It imposed a balance in economic and environmental needs, such as measures to reduce noise pollution, as well as an annual cap of 240,000 flights by 2032.
However, soon after the permit was issued, the Walloon Region, the Brussels-Capital Region, and Brussels Airlines appealed against the decision. According to the Council for Permit Disputes, the organisation received a total of 21 appeals, including one from Brussels Airport Company against the financial burden of the permit – especially the €10 million they were asked to pay annually to rail infrastructure manager Infrabel.
Airport continues to operate
After having studies the case, the Council for Permit Disputes has now revoked the Brussels Aiport’s environmental permit. The organisation states that the mandatory EU consultation process, also known as the ‘Balanced Approach’, has not been followed while establishing the conditions for the permit.
The so-called Balanced Approach, applied within the EU, is a mandatory consultation process developed for addressing aircraft noise at airports. Member states are obliged to take into consideration a number of measures to limit noise pollution and applying operating restrictions should be considered only as a last resort.
“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,” the airport said in a statement following the Council’s decision.
The Flemish government now has to issue a revised permit before 30 June 2029. Until then, the airport may continue to operate as usual. Current Flemish Environment minister Jo Brouns has said the new permit will be concentrating on a balance between quality of life and economic viability. A consultation procedure, involving research, public consultation, and dialogue, has been launched to address the matter of noise pollution.
“We are now rolling out the procedure. I remain committed to a future-oriented airport that is in balance with its environment and in line with European rules,” Brouns told the Belgian media outlet VRT NWS.
