Brussels Environment Minister challenges Hub 3.0 at Brussels Airport, Flemish Government reacts sharply

Outgoing Brussels Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo) has launched a legal challenge against the environmental permit for a new development hub at Brussels Airport. The move has triggered strong criticism from the Flemish government and employers’ organisation Voka, press agency Belga knows. 

Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns (CD&V), who granted the permit in December, said he was “outraged” by the decision. According to Brouns, the permit followed a full first-instance assessment, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a tacitly favourable opinion from the Brussels Region. He stressed that the project modernises existing airport infrastructure without creating additional flight movements.

Despite that favourable advice, Maron has taken the case to the Council for Permit Disputes. His cabinet said the appeal aims to protect the health of Brussels residents, citing long-standing concerns about aircraft noise. According to Maron, the project would encourage airport growth and worsen an already unacceptable level of nuisance, although Brussels says it remains open to dialogue.

Brouns strongly rejected those claims, calling the legal action “cynical.” He also referred to the lack of a fully formed Brussels government and warned that investments, jobs and economic competitiveness were being blocked by a caretaker minister. The Flemish minister added that the project includes improved multimodal access, which would benefit traffic flows and the environment.

Employers’ organisation Voka also criticised the move. CEO Kris Claes said Brussels Airport is Belgium’s second economic engine and questioned why a region that has failed to form a government for more than 600 days is now launching legal action in a matter where it has limited competence.

The contested permit relates to Brussels Airport’s broader “Hub 3.0” redevelopment plan. As previously reported by Aviation24.be in November 2025, the project includes a new intermodal transport hub, terminal extensions, a hotel and office complex, and a green boulevard. An EIA concluded there would be no significant impact on air quality or noise and no increase in flight movements. Construction is planned in phases from 2026, with completion expected by 2032.