Environmental permit
The Flemish Government granted a new environmental permit to Brussels Airport on 29 March 2024. The renewal more specifically concerns VLAREM section 57, which governs the operation of aerodromes with runways.
This permit guarantees the airport's continued operation for the ensuing years but imposes stringent supplementary operating conditions pertaining to both aircraft movements and noise. However, European law requires that the 'Balanced Approach' regulation is complied with before imposing such operating restrictions.
Brussels Airport consistently aims to balance its socio-economic role and the connectivity it provides, while minimising its environmental impact. The airport will continue to do so and has made sustainability a key pillar of its strategy.
Permit measures
The permit details a range of measures that the airport will implement over the next few years. These include:
We have started to self-monitor the local air quality, which includes the continuous monitoring of ultrafine dust and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations, among other things. A screening initiative for additional pollutants has also been launched. A monitoring committee has been set up to track the results of these measurements and to monitor the implementation of all other related measures. The monitoring committee is made up of representatives from the Flemish Government's Environment, Care, and MOW departments, VMM, and the municipalities in the airport's immediate vicinity.
To address water quality, the airport is both developing a water action plan and implementing continuous monitoring of water quality within its retention basins. As it has its own on-site water treatment plant and retention basins, the airport has already taken measures for the collection and treatment of de-icing products in rainwater. Additional studies are currently being drawn up to investigate further measures to additionally improve overall water quality. Furthermore, a stormwater study will be carried out to investigate how water infiltration can be enhanced.
A plan to monitor and mitigate odour pollution will be developed by March 2026. A partner has been recruited to carry out the necessary research work.
At a test run site, aircraft engines are tested at high power after being serviced. Engine test runs occur about 270 times a year on average. They are necessary to ensure the safety of the aircraft. Today, Brussels Airport already imposes that engine test runs can only be conducted between 7am and 10pm. Thanks to the new engine test run site with noise barrier, the noise nuisance for local residents will decrease significantly. The engine test run site should be operational by January 2027 at the latest.
There are already several noise barriers around the airport, and certain buildings also shield residents from ground noise. The environmental impact report, which supported the permit application, highlighted two zones where installing additional noise barriers could potentially mitigate ground noise for some of the local residents. The noise barriers should be in place by the end of March 2028.