Council of State rejects Flanders' request to fly over Brussels

The Council of State has rejected Flanders' appeal against the new satellite navigation system for aircraft at Brussels airport, reports L'Echo.

Since 5 October, a new satellite-based navigation technique has been in operation at Brussels airport. By activating the new system, federal Mobility minister Georges Gilkinet has brought Belgium into line with an EU requirement due to come into force in January 2024.

However, the Flemish region opposed the system, arguing that GPS guidance would mean changes to flight routes and increased noise pollution for residents of areas overflown in the Flemish outskirts.

A conflict of interest motion was filed with the Consultation Committee, a complaint was filed with the Brussels Court of First Instance and a suspension appeal was filed with the Council of State.

On Tuesday, the Council of State issued a decision rejecting Flanders' appeal. Its plea for urgent action was not considered to be viable. The Council of State did not consider the objections to be sufficiently detailed.

Moreover, trials of the new system took place in 2018 and 2019, during which Flanders raised no objections, the ruling noted.

The decision concludes: "It does not emerge from the case files what additional noise pollution would result from this shift in air routes."

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