Mediator: Brussels Airport 'too often violates night flight and noise standards'
Brussels Airport far too often violates rules around night flights and noise standards, according to the federal airport mediation service, whose annual report was published on Wednesday.
Ombudsman Philippe Touwaide counted at least 1,317 violations of federal regulations last year. These included aircraft flying at night despite a ban, failure to comply with quiet night rules, and the use of a daytime take-off procedure at night. There were also 4,758 violations of Brussels region noise standards in the first 10 months of 2025.
Breaches include 200 night-time take-offs by a Boeing 777 cargo aircraft, which is “completely illegal”.
Tensions are growing between federal authorities and mayors in Brussels around flight paths over densely populated areas. Earlier this month, Le Soir reported that less than 20 per cent of fines imposed for aircraft noise pollution around Brussels Airport had been collected since 2000.
Touwaide calls for respect for local residents. “The directors of the company operating the airport should really comply with court decisions and all regulations to drastically reduce the number of violations, especially at night,” he said.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELPRESS
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