A permit misinterpretation at Antwerp and Ostend airports may prevent Belgium’s coastguard from flying vital surveillance missions over the North Sea starting 1 May.
Airport operators have moved to ban Avgas 100LL due to European lead regulations, despite the fuel still being legally allowed under EU thresholds.
The coastguard’s aircraft, a Britten-Norman Islander registered OO_MMM, plays a critical role in pollution monitoring and maritime enforcement. Officials warn the grounding could compromise emergency response and accuse the government of failing to replace the ageing aircraft, a request made since 2018.