Gilkinet: "Application of instruction regarding Boeing 777 at Zaventem has been suspended"
The ministerial instruction issued by outgoing minister of mobility Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo), which restricted the use of Boeing 777 aircraft at Zaventem airport during nighttime, has been suspended. Gilkinet made this announcement on Tuesday during the House Committee on mobility. He explained that if ongoing consultations with the Flemish government fail to yield a solution, the issue will have to be resolved by the next federal government.
This instruction, initially implemented in July of last year and reiterated in June, mandated strict adherence to noise pollution regulations at Zaventem airport. It also ended a decade-long exception that allowed the German parcel delivery company DHL to operate Boeing 777 aircraft at night despite these planes officially exceeding the maximum noise limits.
Minister of the Flemish periphery Ben Weyts (N-VA) argued that DHL had been keeping the aircraft partially loaded, which made them quieter than alternatives. However, the Flemish government expressed concerns that enforcing the instruction could lead to job losses at Zaventem airport. In response, the Flemish government filed a conflict of interest earlier this month.
Due to the conflict, Gilkinet was called before the Chamber during recess by Open VLD, N-VA, and Vlaams Belang for further clarification. He announced the suspension of the instruction, stating it was a "logical consequence of the conflict of interest," intended to facilitate further consultation. Gilkinet noted that if no solution is found before the next federal government takes office, it will be up to that government to address the "illegal situation."
Several members of parliament, including Bert Wollants and Theo Francken (N-VA), Britt Huybrechts (Vlaams Belang), Kjell Vander Elst (Open VLD) and Tine Gielis (CD&V), called for the complete withdrawal of the instruction, arguing that Gilkinet had overstepped his authority by issuing it during a period of current affairs. They cited a letter from outgoing prime minister Alexander De Croo, which disclosed his opposition to the instruction, stating it should not have been issued during a caretaker government. Fatima Lamarti (Vooruit) accused Gilkinet of using the situation to bolster his profile ahead of the municipal elections in October.
In response to a request from CD&V parliament member Tine Gielis, the Chamber's services are now investigating whether Gilkinet had the authority to make this decision during a caretaker period.
Dieter Van Besien (Groen) suggested a broader discussion on balancing the airport's economic interests with the health of local residents. Meanwhile, Kemal Bilmez (PVDA) pressed Gilkinet to ensure that no jobs would be lost at Brussels Airport due to the instruction.
#FlandersNewsService | Mobility minister Georges Gilkinet © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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