Flemish Government suspends new Brussels Airport flight plan over noise concerns

The Flemish Government has invoked a conflict of interest against the proposed changes to flight procedures at Brussels Airport, introduced by federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, arguing that the measures could shift aircraft noise from Brussels to the Flemish Rand. The decision was announced on Friday, 23 October, by Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele. Referring the matter to Belgium’s Consultative Committee (Overlegcomité) suspends the implementation of Crucke’s decision for 60 days, a period that can in principle be extended by a further 60 days.

Crucke presented his plan earlier this month with the aim of reducing aircraft noise over northern Brussels. Under the proposal, aircraft arriving via runway 07L would enter Brussels airspace at a higher altitude and follow a steeper approach. The plan also includes changes to the wind criteria governing runway use, potentially reducing the number of aircraft using the 07L approach. However, the Flemish Government argues that changing these criteria could redirect traffic and noise towards other areas, including the northern and eastern outskirts of Brussels in Flanders.

“Those who share the benefits of the airport must also help distribute the burden fairly,” Diependaele said, insisting that the consequences of changes to flight procedures must be thoroughly assessed, with aviation safety and the interests of residents taken into account. He also criticised the lack of prior consultation between the federal and regional authorities, arguing that a balanced distribution of aircraft noise is essential.

Flemish Minister for the Environment Jo Brouns also opposed measures that could transfer noise pollution to the Flemish Rand or interfere with the ongoing procedure for a new environmental permit for Brussels Airport. Flemish Minister Ben Weyts had already threatened to invoke a conflict of interest earlier this month following the presentation of Crucke’s plans.

The dispute adds another layer to the long-running debate over the distribution of aircraft noise around Brussels Airport, which is located in Flanders but serves the wider Brussels region and Belgium’s international transport network. The Flemish Government says it wants the different authorities to consult one another before changes are implemented.

Sources: VRT NWS (Rik Arnoudt) and Het Laatste Nieuws (Laura Hamers), 23 October 2026. Aviation24.be reporting, including previous coverage of federal plans to reduce aircraft noise over Brussels and their potential impact on the surrounding regions.