Federal Aviation Ombudsman: Current weather-driven runway use at Brussels Airport is safety-critical and temporary

The Federal Aviation Ombudsman has issued a clarification on the recent use of alternative runways at Brussels Airport, stressing that the changes are driven solely by unusual weather conditions and aviation safety requirements.

Since Sunday, 21 December 2025, sustained northerly and easterly winds, combined with strong upper-level winds on final approach, have made the main runway 25 unsuitable, as wind components exceeded operational limits. As a result, aircraft have been required to land into the wind using runway 01 (northbound) or runway 07L (eastbound), in line with fundamental aviation safety principles.

Runway 07L has been frequently used with satellite-based RNP (Required Navigation Performance) guidance, enabling precise and stable approaches along defined flight paths over several Brussels and Flemish municipalities. Runway 01 has also been used to a lesser extent under northerly wind conditions. The Ombudsman underlined that these RNP procedures are not new: the 07L procedure has existed and been activated in previous years, and its publication in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) since July 2025 reflects mandatory European regulation, not a temporary or political decision.

The statement emphasises that satellite-based RNP approaches have been mandatory at major European airports since January 2024, under EU Regulation 2018/1048, aimed at improving precision, efficiency, and safety in air traffic management. Consequently, there was no promise that the procedure would be temporary.

The Ombudsman also noted that mayors have been informed twice daily since 21 December, including over weekends and public holidays, despite no legal obligation for round-the-clock communication. He rejected claims that the situation represents a diversion or a structural shift of runway use, describing it instead as an exceptional and temporary response to weather conditions.

Finally, the Federal Ombudsman called for respect toward the Mediation Service and its staff, condemning what he described as defamatory remarks made in recent days, and reaffirmed that flight safety must always take precedence over all other considerations.