An asset

Zaventem Airport, also known as Brussels Airport, is Belgium’s main international airport. This is an asset for our city, but we must also protect the quality of life of our residents.

An untenable position

Air traffic growth over the next few decades is such that Zaventem’s position will eventually become untenable, whatever the pollution distribution plan. The solutions announced in recent years by Mrs Jacqueline Galant (MR) and her successor François Bellot (MR) have not fundamentally changed this situation. This is due to the absolute priority given to employment (which is likely to be largely mechanized by 2035), to the detriment of local residents’ health.

In July 2023, and following the airport’s Estates-General, the Ecolo minister Georges Gilkinet proposed abolishing night flights from 23:00 to 06:00. Reactions were swift to follow…

What are the solutions?

Extend runway 25L?

Impossible in the short to medium term, given the numerous legal appeals expected. Nor does this option offer a solution for landings [abusifs] in 01/07.

Moving the airport?

It would be very, very long term. Historically, there have been several attempts to consider relocating all or part of the airport. The most concrete example is undoubtedly the 1992 study which proposed Chièvres (NATO airport on the Tournai road) as a solution. Unfortunately, Hervé Hasquin (MR) objected at the time.

Changing the distribution?

Concentration on certain areas? As soon as flights are moved from one region to another, all kinds of NIMBY (Not In My BackYard) reactions immediately follow. The Oostrand, the Noordrand, and the Brussels and Walloon Regions can no longer be divided on this issue: all the local residents’ associations and authorities concerned must work together for the good of as many people as possible.

The only valid solution

And there is indeed a solution: Zaventem could become a City Airport, with a significant reduction in night flights and a strict limitation on annual movements.

To ensure its profitability, it could become a little more expensive, offering privileged access to the capital for adapted traffic by taking advantage of its exceptional geographical position. Quality over quantity. Nuisances would then become reasonable and much more acceptable to local residents.

Of course, court rulings must also be enforced, particularly with regard to the wind standards used to decide on runway selection.

The only valid solution

And there is indeed a solution: Zaventem could become a City Airport, with a significant reduction in night flights and a strict limitation on annual movements.

To ensure its profitability, it could become a little more expensive, offering privileged access to the capital for adapted traffic by taking advantage of its exceptional geographical position. Quality over quantity. Nuisances would then become reasonable and much more acceptable to local residents.

Of course, court rulings must also be enforced, particularly with regard to the wind standards used to decide on runway selection.

After decades of discussions at various hubs, it is becoming increasingly clear that operating restrictions are at this stage the only way to achieve a comprehensive and lasting reduction in air pollution.

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