Brussels Airport - General

Reaction Brussels Airport to decision of the Council for Permit Disputes

Brussels Airport takes note of the decision by the Council for Permit Disputes to annul the airport's environmental permit, granted in March 2024. The airport will now first analyse this decision thoroughly.

Brussels Airport has also always emphasized that the permit included very strict operating restrictions, whereas these should have been subject to the European Balanced Approach procedure first. The Council's decision confirms this.

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 license.

In its decision, the Council for Permit Disputes gave the Flemish Minister for the Environment until 30 June 2029 to follow the European Balanced Approach procedure and deliver an amended permit. 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.

Brussels Airport always strives to respect the balance between its connectivity and economic role on the one hand, and its impact on the environment on the other. The airport remains committed to its efforts for sustainable growth within its surroundings.

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About Brussels Airport

Brussels Airport is one of the most important airports in Europe. In 2024, Brussels Airport welcomed 23.6 million passengers and transported 733,000 tonnes of cargo through the airport. Brussels Airport caters for the specific needs of business travellers and holidaymakers alike, on both intra-European and long haul flights. In 2025, the airport offers direct connections between Belgium and 210 destinations worldwide, with flights operated by 80 airlines.   

The airport also offers a leading cargo platform, specialised in the transport of pharmaceutical products, perishable goods, e-commerce and live animals. Brussels Airport is the most important pharmaceutical hub in Europe with the largest area of temperature-controlled warehouses.  

With its SHIFT 2027 strategy, launched in 2022, Brussels Airport Company intends to strengthen its position as a major European hub, accelerate its ambitious sustainability goals, e.g. through the European Green Deal project Stargate, and continue to diversify its activities by focusing on innovation and cooperation.

Brussels Airport is the second most important economic engine in Belgium, good for 64,000 direct and indirect jobs and is owned and operated by Brussels Airport Company. The shareholders are a consortium of private investors (75%) and the Belgian State (25%).

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Contact

Press Office Brussels Airport Company Luchthaven Brussel Nationaal 1M 1930 Zaventem

+32 (0)2 753 53 53 (for journalists only)

media@brusselsairport.be

www.brusselsairport.be