Brussels flight route RNP 07L could cost region up to 6 billion euros

The activist group Free Air 4 Brussels estimates that maintaining the RNP 07L flight route over the capital could cost the Brussels region, its municipalities, and its residents between 4 and 6 billion euros.

Opponents of the route, which has been in use since April of last year and extended through October 2026, cite persistent noise pollution as a primary concern. The collective bases its financial projections on research from the ULB's IGEAT unit, which indicates that the route affects approximately 271,000 to 400,000 residents across roughly 115,000 homes.

Key economic impacts identified by the group include: - Property Devaluation: A potential loss of approximately 3.18 billion euros in total real estate value. - Public Revenue Losses: A projected loss of 117 million euros in regional property tax revenue and 332 million euros in registration duties due to lower sales prices. - Municipal Impact: An estimated 316 million euros in lost revenue for local municipalities through reduced property taxes.

Additionally, an environmental study suggests that 96% of flights on the RNP 07L route violate noise standards, with 100% of night flights exceeding limits.