A proposal by Federal Minister for Mobility Georges Gilkinet to tackle noise pollution around Brussels by stopping all night flights “is unacceptable from an aviation point of view,” Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines on Monday.
The airline boss, who was elected in mid-April, said that her airline was not opposed to measures aimed at gradually reducing nuisances to local residents.
On Friday, Gilkinet presented a draft ministerial decree during an inter-cabinet meeting. The document proposed a total ban on night flights (23:00-06:00) starting in October 2024.
“When you talk about an airport, there are always conflicting interests,” said von Boxberg. “From our point of view, the airport is an engine of prosperity: it creates a lot of jobs, provides many connections, brings people who want to work here, etc. We must also take this into account.”
The airline dismissed the proposal put forward by the minister but said that it understood the concerns of local residents, who have long campaigned against the flights on account of the excessive noise pollution. But with its headquarters at Brussels Zaventem airport, Brussels Airlines wants to work towards more gradual measures.
@airmediation_fr @GeorgesGilkinet @BrusselsAirport 6 o'clock. The flight show has started!!!! 😤😡 Brussels citizens should have the right to rest on Sunday!!! pic.twitter.com/9G8JEmUaZN
— Better Brussels (@better_brussels) July 16, 2023
“It would certainly be a reasonable and achievable goal to say there should be a reduction in noise year after year,” the company CEO said. Von Boxberg believes that Gilkinet’s “all or nothing” approach makes this goal difficult.
Airlines are investing in a new line of aircraft, which are designed to be much quieter and fuel-efficient than previous generations, to help limit disturbances and reduce pollution. Brussels Airlines will receive five brand new Airbus A320Neos by the end of 2024, replacing its older fleet of A319s and A320s.
