Belgium: Controversial RNP-07L flight route remains active after test phase

The controversial RNP-07L flight approach route at Brussels Airport remains in use following the official end of its testing period. Although the test phase was scheduled to conclude by late October, the route continues to be listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for Belgium without a specified end date.

Federal Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke stated through his cabinet that the current procedure will be maintained because air traffic controller Skeyes has not yet presented a viable alternative. The Minister has requested studies into potential alternatives, including a variant that uses a slight curve to fly further north over Brussels to mitigate noise, rather than the current direct path.

The activist group Free Air 4 Brussels has expressed skepticism regarding this approach, alleging that the Minister may be attempting to make the route permanent by default. The group has called on the Brussels Region to appeal the matter to the Council of State.