New measures introduced to reduce aircraft noise over northern Brussels

Two new measures aimed at reducing aircraft noise over northern Brussels have taken effect on 1 October, Belgian Federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke has announced. The measures concern aircraft landing on runway 07L using the RNP 07L approach, a satellite-based procedure that has been in use since July 2025. The route has led to increased aircraft traffic over parts of Brussels and surrounding municipalities.

Under the new procedure, arriving aircraft will remain at a higher altitude for longer before entering the Brussels airspace and will subsequently make a steeper descent. The intention is to reduce the noise impact on people living underneath the approach. Aircraft will also follow a more direct descent rather than the previous approach profile, reducing the time spent flying over populated areas.

The RNP 07L route has been the subject of considerable debate since its introduction. According to figures cited by Brussels media, the number of people exposed to noise levels above World Health Organization recommendations increased substantially compared with the former curved approach.

The changes come as the federal government faces a court-imposed deadline concerning measures to address aircraft noise around Brussels Airport. Crucke has also asked air navigation service provider skeyes to examine ways of optimising the RNP 07L procedure.

A study commissioned from CGX examined several alternatives, including a partial return to the former VOR 07 approach, which followed a more curved path around Brussels. Crucke has asked skeyes to prepare this alternative, with a decision expected by the end of October.

The current RNP 07L procedure remains in place for now. Brussels Airport does not decide which runways or approach routes are used; runway selection is the responsibility of skeyes within the regulatory framework established by the federal government.