All flight operations at Brussels National will continue as scheduled despite the annulment of its environmental permit, the airport has confirmed.
"This decision has no impact on the current operation of the airport and airport companies. All flights will continue as planned. The airport will continue to operate under the conditions of the annulled licence," it said in a statement.
This follows an announcement on July 17 by Belgium's Council for Permit Disputes (Raad voor Vergunningsbetwistingen) that it had annulled the airport's environmental permit granted in March 2024, which had allowed for stricter environmental conditions to reduce aircraft noise pollution.
In doing so, the council effectively upheld complaints from Brussels Airlines (SN, Brussels National) and others against an annual flight cap (240,000 by 2032) and tighter night-time restrictions imposed by the airport. The council found that these transgressed European Union law as the airport had failed to follow the required "balanced approach" consultation process.
In total, 21 appeals were filed against the permit by municipalities, the Walloon and Brussels-Capital Regions, and Brussels Airlines. Brussels Airport Company (BAC) itself appealed the financial obligation to pay EUR10 million euros (USD11.6 million) annually to railway manager Infrabel to offset the "diabolical surcharge" for airport train passengers. The council sided with BAC, ruling the fee illegal due to lack of proper planning regulation.
Although the permit has been annulled, the council acknowledged the airport’s social and economic importance. As a result, it ruled that operations may continue under the annulled permit until June 30, 2029, by which time a new permit must be issued following the proper European procedures.
In its response, Brussels Airport noted it had "always emphasised that the permit included very strict operating restrictions, whereas these should have been subject to the European balanced approach procedure first."
"Brussels Airport will take all necessary steps to obtain a suitable permit in time to ensure the continuity of operations after 2029, but also the long-term development of the airport," it stated, reaffirming its commitment to balancing connectivity, economic activity, and environmental responsibility.
