PAŻP air traffic agency funds seizure hearing adjourned in Belgium

A Belgian court has adjourned the hearing regarding the objection of the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) against the seizure of its funds until October 15, 2026. The seizure is a consequence of a legal dispute between the Polish state and Pfizer concerning unpaid COVID-19 vaccine contracts, following a ruling that Poland should pay approximately 5.644 billion PLN.

PAŻP officials, including President Magdalena Jaworska-Maćkowiak, have warned that the seizure of 80 percent of the agency's revenue—funds held by Eurocontrol—could severely impact the provision of air traffic control services in Polish airspace. The agency argues it has become a hostage to a dispute in which it is not a party. Legal representatives for PAŻP have cited a new Eurocontrol protocol intended to strengthen the immunity of such organizations against third-party seizures.

Pfizer's legal team argued that the seizure is justified because the funds flowing through PAŻP are effectively linked to the Polish state treasury. The court proceedings were complicated by the presiding judge's announcement of upcoming retirement and the potential to consolidate the case with similar legal challenges involving Romanian aviation authorities.