Antwerp's Deurne airport has been granted a new environmental permit with stringent conditions, Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir announced on Tuesday.
The conditions include a night-flight ban from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., with the exception of time-sensitive medical flights and delayed flights - until 12:30 a.m. However, no more than 30 such flights will be allowed per year, according to a press release from the minister’s office.
Many groups, both Dutch- and French-speaking, from areas surrounding Zaventem National Airport have unsuccessfully sought a similar night-flight ban for Brussels Airport for years.
The Environment Minister announced on Tuesday that she had issued Deurne Airport’s new environmental permit on Monday, based on a conditional favourable opinion from the Flemish Environmental Committee.
In addition to the night-flight ban, the new permit - which may still be modified - includes requirements such as adherence to noise regulations, construction of a noise barrier, and the rigorous monitoring of set objectives.
According to Minister Demir, the century-old airport recently faced opposition from residents and environmental groups. Around 6,000 objections to its application for the permit were submitted, with the main grievances including noise, air and soil pollution, and mobility issues.
Many of its detractors simply wish to see the airport closed entirely.
