Brussels Airport operator faces complaint over alleged unauthorised runway works

Belgium’s Federal Ombudsman for Aviation has announced plans to file a formal complaint against Brussels Airport Company (BAC) over alleged unauthorised works carried out at the end of runway 25L.

In a statement issued on 18 February 2026, Ombudsman Philippe Touwaide said he would refer the matter to the Flemish regional authorities and the Halle-Vilvoorde Public Prosecutor’s Office, citing potential planning violations and modifications to runway operating conditions executed without the required permits.

Disputed Works on Runway 25L

The case relates to resurfacing works conducted last summer, during which the turnpad at the threshold of runway 25L was reportedly widened. The turnpad allows aircraft to manoeuvre at the runway end before departure — a configuration rarely used for take-offs since 1958.

According to the Ombudsman, the widening was completed without prior authorisation. He further disputes BAC’s explanation that the modification was necessary to allow larger aircraft to turn independently in line with updated European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, arguing that aircraft were already able to manoeuvre without pushback assistance.

BAC has acknowledged that no permit application was submitted in advance, attributing the issue to an internal misinterpretation of regulatory requirements. The company says it is now pursuing a regularisation procedure and will address any associated technical concerns, including water infiltration considerations.

Potential Operational and Noise Implications

The Ombudsman has also raised concerns that altering the runway’s configuration could affect the established distribution of traffic between Brussels Airport’s parallel runways 25R and 25L. He warned that increased operational use of 25L for departures could potentially alter local noise exposure patterns for nearby municipalities.

The matter now moves to regional authorities and prosecutors, who will assess whether the works constitute a breach of planning regulations and whether enforcement measures are warranted.