Brussels Region launches legal action over intensified airport approach route

The Brussels-Capital Region has decided to take legal action against the heavy use of the RNP-07 aircraft approach route serving Brussels Airport, arguing that the concentration of flights over densely populated neighbourhoods is causing unacceptable noise nuisance.

Following a proposal by Ans Persoons, the regional government will seek an injunction that could lead to financial penalties against the Belgian State if aircraft using runway 07L continue to breach Brussels noise standards.

The satellite-guided RNP-07 approach procedure was introduced as a trial in September 2025. Brussels authorities fear it could now become permanent without sufficient consultation with affected municipalities and residents.

According to a study by Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), more than 270,000 residents are affected by noise from the route. When the parallel approach path to runway 07R is included, the number of impacted residents could rise to around 400,000.

The Brussels government argues that the current concentration of air traffic is excessive, with aircraft sometimes arriving every four minutes and daily traffic reaching up to 300 flights over parts of the capital. Regional noise monitoring data reportedly show that 96% of flights on the route exceed Brussels noise limits.

The legal action follows growing frustration among Brussels municipalities. Several local authorities, including Koekelberg, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean and Schaerbeek, have previously indicated their intention to challenge the route in court and are now being invited to join the regional government’s case.

The dispute adds further pressure on Jean-Luc Crucke, who recently met Brussels mayors to discuss aircraft noise concerns but reportedly failed to reach a breakthrough. The case is likely to become a significant new chapter in Belgium’s long-running debate over flight path distribution and airport noise around Brussels Airport.