Belgium’s Federal Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet wants to have a solution to the noise pollution at Brussels Airport in Zaventem by 21 July. The long-running issue, according to the minister, is "one of the most complicated in Belgian politics."
While remaining mum on what will be included in his proposal, Gilkinet told BX1 that his "objective is to alleviate and protect the residents," 70% of which are exposed to above-average sound levels in Brussels, according to a recent survey.
Noise pollution caused by the airport in Zaventem has been a thorn in the side of successive Federal Governments and has reportedly cost the state up to €24 million in penalty payments and legal fees since 2015, said Gilkinet.
Back and forth
Ever since his appointment as Mobility Minister in 2020, Gilkinet has made resolving the problem one of his priorities, having already taken various measures to address the issue.
He reiterated on Wednesday that the Federal Government had conducted a study into noise pollution surrounding the airport, as well as putting stricter noise standards in place, such as applying 40% more tax on airlines flying older and noisier aircraft.
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However, the minister would not reveal whether his proposed solution would involve banning night flights just as the Schipol Airport in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam has done. Additionally, Gilkinet said that his proposal will have to be pre-emptively approved by the regional governments.
This may prove to be difficult given his constant back-and-forths with the Flemish Government over the issue. Gilkinet even revealed that his prior efforts to meet and consult the Flemish Environmental Minister Zuhal Demir had fallen on deaf ears, with her party pushing for the airport to fall under Flanders’ authority.
