Brussels Airport’s Vision for Sustainable Growth

Brussels Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth combined with reduced environmental nuisance, placing the European “Balanced Approach” procedure at the heart of its future development strategy. This procedure, laid down in European Regulation 598/2014, aims to ensure that noise reduction around airports is addressed through a coherent, legally sound, and cost-effective framework. For Brussels Airport, it represents an opportunity to reconcile economic growth, connectivity, and environmental responsibility within a stable regulatory environment.

The Importance of a Stable and Legal Framework

At the launch of the Balanced Approach procedure, Brussels Airport emphasised the urgent need for a stable and coherent operational framework that provides legal certainty for the entire aviation sector. In July 2025, the airport’s environmental permit, granted in March 2024, was annulled by the Licensing Disputes Board because it introduced strict operating restrictions without first applying the European procedure. These restrictions included, among other things, a cap on the number of flight movements.

The annulment created uncertainty for airlines, investors, and surrounding communities. According to Brussels Airport, differences between regional and federal rules, combined with disputes over flight paths and noise standards, have made long-term planning difficult. The Balanced Approach is therefore seen as a way to align policies, clarify responsibilities between authorities, and establish a new environmental permit that complies fully with European law.

The Balanced Approach: A Step-by-Step Method

The European Balanced Approach is not simply about imposing restrictions. It follows a structured process that begins with defining realistic noise reduction objectives. Authorities must then assess the most efficient measures to achieve those objectives, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including airports, airlines, local communities, and environmental organisations.

Priority must be given to solutions such as fleet renewal, improved flight procedures, optimised runway use, and land-use planning. Only if these measures prove insufficient may operating restrictions, such as limits on flights, be considered. Furthermore, the regulation requires that economic impacts be taken into account, ensuring that the final package of measures is balanced, proportionate, and cost-effective.

Sustainable Growth as a Strategic Priority

For Brussels Airport, sustainable development means more than environmental protection alone. It also involves safeguarding the airport’s role as a major economic and connectivity hub for Belgium. The airport aims to maintain the possibility of growth in daytime flights between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., in line with market demand and economic development, while simultaneously reducing its environmental footprint.

As a hub airport, Brussels Airport plays a crucial role in linking Belgium to the rest of the world. It supports approximately 64,000 jobs and contributes around 2% of the country’s GDP, making it Belgium’s second-largest economic driver. A clear and predictable development perspective is therefore essential to keep the airport attractive to airlines, encourage investment, and preserve a strong intercontinental and intra-European network for both passengers and cargo.

Progress Already Made in Noise Reduction

Brussels Airport points out that significant progress has already been achieved. Between 2000 and 2024, the number of people potentially severely affected by aircraft noise fell by 61%. This reduction was largely the result of quieter aircraft, more efficient operational procedures, and targeted noise mitigation measures.

Looking ahead, the airport plans to continue this downward trend. Newer, less noisy aircraft are entering airline fleets, additional noise barriers are being built, and operational procedures are constantly being refined. Alongside noise management, Brussels Airport is also investing heavily in improving local air quality and cutting CO₂ emissions, with the goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions for its own airport operations by 2030.

Ambitious Targets and the Need for Far-Reaching Measures

Despite past progress, the authorities have now set very stringent new objectives. Under the Balanced Approach process, Brussels Airport is expected to achieve a 30% reduction by 2032 in the number of people highly annoyed by noise and highly disturbed in their sleep, compared to 2019 levels. This goes significantly beyond the 10% and 15% reductions previously proposed in the environmental impact report.

The airport warns that reaching a 30% reduction will require major efforts and far-reaching additional measures. It stresses the importance of well-justified and realistic targets, arguing that a thorough assessment of fleet renewal, flight paths, runway use, and land-use planning must come first, as European law requires. Only if these options cannot deliver the necessary improvements should operating restrictions be examined.

Protecting Connectivity and Economic Value

Brussels Airport insists that any future measures must preserve Belgium’s connectivity, economic competitiveness, and employment. The airport’s management has repeatedly stated that noise reduction cannot be pursued in isolation from social and economic considerations. Sustainable growth, in their view, means balancing environmental responsibility with the needs of passengers, businesses, and the wider economy.

The ability to grow daytime flights is particularly important. It allows the airport to respond to demand, maintain hub operations, and support airlines in renewing fleets and investing in more sustainable technologies. Brussels Airport believes that a well-designed Balanced Approach can deliver environmental improvements without undermining the airport’s essential role.

Looking Ahead: Cooperation and Consultation

The Flemish and federal governments are now jointly implementing the Balanced Approach procedure so that a new, legally compliant decision can be taken on the airport’s permit. The Council for Permit Disputes has set a deadline of 30 June 2029 to complete the process. In the meantime, Brussels Airport may continue its operations as usual.

The procedure will involve extensive consultation, a public participation phase, and a recommendation from the European Commission before measures are formally anchored in regulation and, where necessary, in a new environmental permit. Brussels Airport has committed to cooperating actively and constructively, with the aim of achieving a realistic, balanced solution that supports sustainable growth while reducing nuisance for surrounding communities.