Brussels Airport ombudsman sentenced to prison for harassment of CEO

Philippe Touwaide, the federal ombudsman for Brussels Airport, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Brussels criminal court for harassing the airport’s chief executive, Arnaud Feist.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, also includes a €200 fine plus surcharges. Touwaide immediately announced he would appeal the conviction, rejecting the accusations and denouncing what he described as a “witch hunt.”

The case forms part of an ongoing legal saga. In June 2024, Touwaide was already found guilty of harassment and defamation targeting airport officials, but received a suspended sentence under strict conditions. The latest conviction relates to new acts committed after that ruling, notably against Feist. The earlier case is itself still under appeal, with a hearing scheduled for November.

Separately, Touwaide was suspended for one month in early March following allegations of misconduct and potential conflicts of interest highlighted in media investigations.

Belgium’s Mobility Minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, has now instructed the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport to take further action in response to the conviction. His office said the judgment reinforces the loss of confidence that led to Touwaide’s suspension, which is set to run until 10 April, while confirming that airport mediation services remain operational.

The case raises fresh concerns over governance and oversight at one of Belgium’s key transport hubs.