Nine municipalities in Belgian and Dutch Limburg have filed an appeal with Belgium’s Council of State against Liège Airport’s new operating permit, granted by the Walloon government in July. It marks the third such legal challenge.
The contested “permis unique” authorises up to 55,000 flights annually, compared with the current 35,000. Opponents argue the permit underestimates noise and environmental impacts, especially of night operations, and lacks assessment of cross-border effects.
Riemst mayor Mark Vos stressed municipalities are not seeking the airport’s closure, but said the proposed expansion is “far too many and insufficiently justified.” Tongeren-Borgloon mayor Jo Feytons warned that night flight disturbance could rise by 30%.
The municipalities represent some 280,000 residents across Belgium and the Netherlands.