Belgian federal airport ombudsman suspended for one month amid conflict of interest allegations

Belgium’s federal airport ombudsman, Philippe Touwaide, has been suspended for one month following controversy over alleged conflicts of interest and ongoing legal issues. The suspension was announced on Tuesday by Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke during a session of the parliamentary Mobility Committee.

The decision follows revelations by the French-language magazine Le Vif that Touwaide simultaneously served as a board member of a residents’ action group campaigning against aircraft noise from Brussels Airport. Such a role is considered incompatible with his position as an independent ombudsman.

Touwaide is also facing legal scrutiny. In 2024, he was convicted of defamation and harassment involving executives at Brussels Airport, though he has appealed the ruling. In a separate case, prosecutors are reportedly seeking a prison sentence of up to two years over alleged intimidation of Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist.

According to Crucke, the suspension will remain in place while further investigations are conducted. Touwaide will be heard by the services of the mobility ministry before a disciplinary body decides whether additional measures are required. The minister stressed that the presumption of innocence remains in force.

Crucke also indicated that the government will review the legal framework governing the airport ombudsman service, including the ombudsman’s employment status, which currently falls under a contractual rather than statutory appointment.

Several members of parliament welcomed the move, saying the situation had created tensions between local residents, Brussels Airport and the ombudsman’s office, and stressing the importance of restoring a neutral and credible point of contact for communities affected by aircraft noise.