Brussels Environment issued 63 official reports in May for aviation infractions over Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
This marks the first time action has been initiated against airlines since the installation of a noise meter in 2017.
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert had installed the monitoring device on Rue de la Charrette in late October 2017. The aim was to reveal excessive use of the so-called "left turn" air route by planes at Brussels National Airport, accounting for nearly 45% of takeoffs.
Seven years on, "thanks to the intervention of its lawyer, the municipality has managed to ensure that violations identified by this noise meter are subject to administrative proceedings," the commune said in a press release.
The infractions relate to flights breaching the aircraft noise regulation of 27 May 1999, often referred to as "aircraft noise" or the "Gosuin" decree. This regulation sets out ground noise limits to be observed.
"Until now, the measures put in place by Brussels Environment were lacking for the 'left turn,' unlike other routes. However, data shared with the municipality by Brussels Environment show that aircraft flying over Woluwe-Saint-Lambert via this route are increasing, and that over 99% of violations occur between 6:00 and 7:00 in the morning," said local authorities.
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In the event of an infraction, an official report is sent to the airline by Brussels Environment, and also passed on to the Brussels prosecutor's office.
The latter has six months to decide whether or not to initiate further proceedings against the airline.
If no criminal action is taken, Brussels Environment has the power to impose an alternative administrative fine, which can reach up to 125,000 euros for multiple infractions.
