Regional airports play an “adjacent and complementary” role to Zaventem, according to the new Flemish government, composed of N-VA, Vooruit, and CD&V.
The coalition agreement, reached in the early hours and seen by Belga News Agency, highlights the crucial role of Brussels Airport in fostering growth and providing numerous jobs.
“We are exploring ways to enhance the synergy between the three regional airports and Zaventem for greater efficiency while reducing public subsidies,” the agreement states.
Aside from the national airport in Flemish Brabant, Flanders has three local airports: Deurne in Antwerp Province, Ostend, and Wevelgem in West Flanders. The future of Deurne Airport has often been questioned, particularly by activists and local residents.
Earlier this year, the Antwerp airport received a new environmental permit under strict conditions, including restrictions on night flights and noise regulations.
Action groups Vliegerplein and Verlenging Nooit have consistently deemed the Deurne expansion illegal, citing construction on agricultural land. Although the airport was previously acquitted on these grounds, an appeal has been filed.
