Belgian Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet’s (Ecolo) proposal to ban all air traffic at Brussels Airport at night continues to evoke resistance. Now the industry federation IATA (International Air Transport Association), which represents some 290 airlines comprising 82% of global air traffic, is also coming out with a predictably dismissive response. It argues that Gilkinet’s proposal itself should be “scrapped”.

According to IATA, the proposal is “premature” and goes against current international agreements on the Balanced Approach to airport noise. These agreements explicitly state that improving flight restrictions should only be a last resort.

And such intervention should only take place after consultation, a cost-benefit analysis, and all other Balanced Approach measures have been exhausted.

Pharma hub

Moreover, the proposed ban would ” negatively affect the Belgian economy and flight connections”. The ban would particularly affect the cargo sector.

IATA also points out that Belgium is strong in exports of pharmaceuticals, and these are highly dependent on fast and time- and temperature-sensitive deliveries. Among the routes that a ban would threaten are connections to Africa, “one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions”.

After a record year in 2021 (+30%), cargo traffic at Brussels Airport saw an 8% drop in its volumes in 2022, with a total of 776 000 tons carried. In 2022, cargo flights decreased by 10% compared to 2021.

Consultation with stakeholders

According to Rafael Schwartzman, IATA’s regional vice-president in Europe, complaints from residents about noise pollution should certainly be considered. “But it is particularly unfortunate that Minister Gilkinet has tried to circumvent the Balanced Approach. That, however, is the long accepted and successful way to control noise pollution at airports.”

Schwartzman says it is “vital that the government scrap this proposal and consult with the various stakeholders.”