Iata says the proposed plan to limit night flights at Belgium’s Brussels Zavantem International Airport (BRU) would breach the international obligation to the Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management, which says implementing airport curfews should be a last resort, and that it is premature, reports simpleflying.com.
“The Balanced Approach helps mitigate noise while protecting the benefits of air connectivity for the economy and community both near the airport and across Belgium, not least in terms of thousands of jobs. It is vital that the government scraps this proposal and instead engages in meaningful consultation with stakeholders,” said Iata Regional Vice President for Europe, Rafael Schvartzman.
The move could have many negative effects, as it would not only restrict arriving and departing aircraft at BRU, but also hurt the Belgian economy due to its dependence on growing long-haul African routes and time- or temperature-sensitive cargo transportation.
The ban was proposed by Belgian Federal Transport Minister, Georges Gilkinet, who suggested that the airport should abide by a ban on flights between 23h00 and 06h00. The proposal also requested a limit on specific aircraft types during the work day, including the Airbus A320, A330 and Boeing 737, 747 and 767.
