Brussels Airlines officially objects to Zaventem’s authorization

Just like Schiphol, Belgium’s national airport is caught between the desire for growth and pressure from local residents and conservationists to reduce flights. But earlier this year, it was decided that Zaventem would continue to grow in the coming years. Night flights remain possible, although their number should be much fewer. The flight was also promised the maximum number of flight movements.

The latter represents a sore point for Brussels Airlines, which is now complaining that the new license did not follow the “balanced approach” procedures imposed by Europe. “Operational restrictions can only be implemented after other options have been explored, and not as a first resort,” the company says.

It is not clear whether this move has a chance of success. Environmental organizations, among others, also filed objections, but for different reasons.

In the Netherlands, the outgoing government was forced to temporarily suspend the plan to reduce Schiphol Airport in November after legal objections. For example, European Transport Commissioner Adena Valian expressed concerns about the first step of the downsizing plan. This would contravene European law, because the aviation sector was not properly consulted in advance. This means that the required “balanced approach procedure” has not been completed.