A Brussels minister is set to challenge the new environment permit awarded to Brussels Airport by Flanders in March 2024, causing an intra-governmental impasse.
An appeal is being made by Alain Maron, Brussels Environment Minister, against the permit issued by Flemish Environment minister Zuhal Demir, which failed to include a ban on night flights, a contentious issue that has already cost millions in reparation payments to the communes most affected by noise pollution.
Why is airport noise such an issue?
Noisy flight paths have been found to contravene Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards the right to the protection of a healthy environment.
Research published recently in Environment International indicates that people living near airports may be slightly more susceptible to heart attacks and related issues, with men aged over 65 worst hit, especially by night flights. The Flemish Federation for a Better Environment has previously estimated that as many as 220,000 people around the capital could be affected by the issue.
What’s more, the financial stakes are high. Just a handful of examples show how much airport noise can cost. Millions have been paid out to residents east of Brussels and five Flemish municipalities (Grimbergen, Machelen, Meise, Vilvoorde and Wemmel), after a court upheld their complaints about aircraft noise, the airport’s runway configuration and wind standards.
Split opinions
Alain Maron wants more attention to be paid to the detrimental effects of noise pollution on public health, and, in highlighting the issue, is entering into direct conflict with other members of the ruling coalition (namely Open VLD party). “Open VLD is changing its position within the Brussels government and ignoring the environment and the health of Brussels residents,” he said on 25 April, adding that this was “despite a very broad consensus on the importance of an appeal.”
No legal basis without consensus
Responding to the criticism and demonstrating the split in the government, Finance Minister Sven Gatz has questioned whether Maron’s appeal has any legal basis without the consensus of the Brussels government.
Gatz has previously advocated for the new permit, due to its economic value to both the airport and the Brussels regions. Per Belga reports, he has argued the more recent permit is a step forward thanks to the way it balances the economic imperatives of airport activity with the day to day needs of local residents. “Something is being done about noise pollution […] and environmental pollution,” he said.
