A new lawsuit has been launched in the Brussels Tribunal of First Instance by nearly 400 families who are claiming up to €40 million in compensation from the state for disturbances caused by the flightpath of Brussels International Airport in Zaventem.
Residents of Brussels’ Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Crainhem, and Wezembeek-Oppem areas have long complained of excessive noise pollution caused by Belgium’s main international travel hub.
Previous assurances had been made that a short runway at Brussels Airport would only be used in “extreme circumstances”, however, increased landings have led to an uptick in noise complaints from residents.
A 2020 ruling ordered the Belgian state to compensate local residents around the airport following a judgement made in 2017. 93 families received €9.45 million for excessive use of the short runway.
The Tribunal determined that the government had been in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights by failing to provide a healthy environment to local residents from 2004 to 2011.
This latest case marks an escalation in pressure against the Federal Government. In total, 392 families will join a new, separate case against the government, made on the same grounds of prior complaints.
The Mayor of Wezembeek, which is situated underneath the flightpath, states that he is confident that the families will receive settlement.
“In all, 392 families, which are not the same as the first 93, have lodged the same appeal, on the same grounds. The Belgian state will therefore undoubtedly have to compensate these families,” Mayor Petit said.
A study into the airport’s noise impact in May revealed that around 80% of residents in Machelen, Zaventem, Steenokkerzeel, and Brussels Centre are “greatly inconvenienced” by the take-off and landing of aircraft at Brussels International Airport.
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In 2015, the airport was found to be the main source of air pollution in Brussels, according to conclusions of the Coeur Europe think-tank. The airport’s 2019 environmental report recognises that aircraft and ultra-fine particulate matter pollution remains an issue, however it has committed to better mapping the emissions.
The airport has committed to reducing its carbon footprint. In 2010-2019, the airport reduced its emissions by a third and plans to reduce this by a further 40% by 2030.
