Aviation police director resigns after border controls controversy at Brussels Airport
The head of Belgium’s aviation police is stepping down following controversy over the improper relaxation of border controls at Brussels Airport. The federal police confirmed the resignation on Tuesday after several sources informed Belga.
The issue began last Friday when an internal memo revealed that in order to reduce queue times, the aviation police director had invoked Article 9 of the Schengen Agreement to ease border checks.
However, Article 9 is intended only for exceptional, temporary circumstances — not as a structural measure — making the directive a misuse of EU rules.
Initially, officials denied the existence of the order. But on Monday, the federal police acknowledged that the internal note was real. That has resulted in the resignation of the director, various sources told Belga on Tuesday.
Police leadership have confirmed the resignation, stating that “after an internal debriefing with the hierarchy, the joint conclusion is that the director of the Aviation Police can no longer perform his duties in an appropriate and serene manner.”
A replacement will be appointed shortly to ensure a smooth transition, the police added, in cooperation with the outgoing director.
© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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