Brussels takes legal action over contested airport flight path
The Brussels government is taking legal action against the contested flight path over Brussels on runway 07L at Brussels Airport, exposing the Belgian state to potential penalty payments for breaches of the capital's noise standards. "We are calling for a fair distribution, with due regard for the health of Brussels residents," said Environment and Climate state secretary Ans Persoons on Thursday.
The amended approach route on runway 07L has provoked strong protests for some time. The satellite-guided path, which is used frequently, runs directly over some of the region's most densely populated neighbourhoods. Persoons noted that the route was introduced in September as a trial, but that it now risks becoming permanent.
The Brussels government is initiating proceedings to halt landings on runway 07L, a move that could trigger penalty payments for violations of Brussels noise standards. A study by French-speaking university ULB found that more than 270,000 people are affected, and noise meter readings show that 96 per cent of flights exceed Brussels' noise limits.
"This is keeping people awake, both literally and figuratively."
According to Persoons, Brussels stakeholders were not consulted during the approval process. "This is keeping people awake, both literally and figuratively. Those who do not sleep well cannot function properly. An aeroplane highway over the most densely populated neighbourhoods of Brussels is unacceptable. This legal step is a means of exerting pressure, and above all a call for action and solutions," she said.
The state secretary argues that adjusted wind standards are technically and legally feasible and would allow air traffic to be better distributed across the region, but stresses that the decision rests with the federal government. All Brussels municipalities affected by the noise nuisance support the legal action in principle, as well as the call for revised wind standards, she added.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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