The mayors of Koekelberg, Schaerbeek and Molenbeek have voiced strong opposition to the continued use of the RNP 07 landing route towards Brussels Airport, warning that up to 450,000 residents are being exposed to sustained aircraft noise until at least the end of October.
The route, officially designated 07L for arrivals, has been used more frequently in recent weeks due to persistent easterly winds, which require aircraft to land into the wind for safety reasons. However, local authorities argue that what was presented as a temporary or technical adjustment is becoming semi-permanent.
A “test phase” extended
According to the three Brussels mayors, a 4 February meeting with the cabinet of Federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) failed to provide any concrete prospect of relief. The mayors described the extension of the route’s use as “unacceptable” and criticised what they see as a lack of political accountability.
The RNP 07 route was introduced in line with European requirements for satellite-based navigation (Required Navigation Performance – RNP), replacing older ground-based VOR guidance. The implementation has made the approach path straighter and slightly shifted compared to the previous configuration.
While authorities stress that the route itself is not new, residents in northern Brussels report noticeably increased overflights since the introduction of the satellite procedure at the end of last year.
6,500-signature petition
A citizens’ petition titled “Non au survol intensif du Nord de Bruxelles” has gathered more than 6,500 signatures. Residents from Koekelberg, Molenbeek, Jette, Laken, Schaerbeek and Evere report aircraft passing at low altitude, particularly during early morning and night-time hours.
Brussels Environment (Leefmilieu Brussel) reportedly received 754 complaints about aircraft noise last year — almost four times more than the previous year — predominantly from northern districts of the capital.
According to Brussels Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo), measurements taken in December indicated that more than 89% of night flights along the first section of the 07L route exceeded regional noise limits. The administration has stated that violations may lead to fines of up to €18,000 per infringement, although enforcement procedures remain lengthy.
Wind and runway selection
Airport ombudsman Philippe Touwaide emphasised that runway usage depends primarily on wind direction and safety considerations. Recent weeks have seen sustained north-easterly winds due to a high-pressure system over Scandinavia, increasing use of runway 07L for arrivals.
Skeyes, Belgium’s air navigation service provider, declined detailed comment on operational choices, stating that it follows legal and safety requirements.
Critics, however, argue that strict wind measurement criteria may result in more frequent use of the western approach than strictly necessary.
Political tension
The debate adds another layer to the long-running political sensitivity surrounding flight paths at Brussels Airport. The distribution of air traffic between the Brussels-Capital Region and the Flemish periphery has been a contentious issue for over two decades.
Brussels Environment Minister Alain Maron has dubbed the procedure the “Crucke route,” while the federal minister maintains that any structural changes must comply with European regulation and cannot compromise aviation safety.
Meanwhile, the Flemish environmental permit for Brussels Airport allows for gradual growth towards 240,000 annual aircraft movements by 2032, while reducing the annual number of night flights to 11,000.
Legal action considered
Koekelberg mayor Olivia P’tito confirmed that the municipality is consulting a lawyer regarding potential legal steps. The three mayors have invited Minister Crucke to attend a public meeting with residents to assess the impact firsthand.
For affected residents, however, the political debate offers little immediate relief.
“With more than 200 aircraft per day, every form of calm has disappeared,” acting Molenbeek mayor Ahmed Gjanaj said. “This is simply unacceptable.”
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