Flemish government blocks new Brussels Airport flight procedures

The Flemish government has suspended planned changes to flight approach procedures at Brussels Airport for 60 days, following a formal declaration of a conflict of interest. The suspension, which can be extended for another 60 days, targets a plan proposed by Belgian Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke intended to reduce noise pollution over northern Brussels.

The proposed changes included steeper approaches to runway 07L and relaxed wind criteria for runway usage. However, the Flemish government argues these adjustments would merely shift noise pollution from the capital toward the northern and eastern suburbs in the Flemish periphery.

Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele criticized the lack of prior consultation with the regions, stating that the burdens of airport operations should not be continuously shifted toward Flanders. A Belgian advisory body is expected to mediate the dispute to seek a more equitable distribution of noise impact.