ACV-Transcom is concerned about the Regional Environmental Permit Commission’s opinion on the renewal of Brussels Airport’s environmental permit. The union fears that Brussels Airport will only be able to present itself as a regional working-week airport.
The Regional Environmental Permit Commission (GOVC) gave a favourable opinion, subject to a few conditions. For example, the total number of aircraft movements at the airport would be limited to a maximum of 234,000 from 2030. Current weekend restrictions would also be tightened. For instance, from 2026, no departures and landings would be allowed between 1am and 5am on the nights of Friday to Saturday, Saturday to Sunday and Sunday to Monday. By 2030, that would be from 11pm to 7am.
“With the measures being proposed, everything logistics and cargo will move, at best, within Belgium,” said Kurt Callaerts, general sector interest group manager Maritime-Air Transport at ACV-Transcom. “The restrictions will only leave opportunities to push Brussels Airport into a straitjacket of being a small regional airport within the European network, especially during weekdays. This will definitely have an impact on regional employment and economy.”
Export country
The cargo logistics hub will have to reposition itself, according to Callaerts. If cargo express service providers stop operating at night on weekends, this will create negative effects for exports and imports. “Not least for pharma, engineering, b2b-commerce and fresh produce. Belgium is an export country. Cargo flights are very important for our economy and Brussels Airport’s position in the airport landscape. The networks of these players will not just ‘relocate’ on weekends. There is a real chance that this will also have adverse effects during the week. Linked to this are also immediate jobs due to the labour-intensive activities.”
ACV-Transcom recognises the need to make Brussels Airport more sustainable and is willing to enter into dialogue on this with the government and all stakeholders involved. “We want to participate constructively in a transition to combine ecology, sustainability, living environment and environment with employment, economic activity and growth,” Callaerts clarified.
Employment
The Christian union is asking Minister Demir to take into account the impact on employment. This includes not only the number of jobs, but also their quality, the necessary competences and retraining of staff, Callaerts said. “For employees, not only job security but also legal security is important. This has been missing for Brussels Airport for decades. We need a general framework with sufficient stability for the environmental and environmental aspects that ensures the future of employees. Important is a good environmental permit with the necessary space for development and taking into account the needs of Brussels Airport as well as those of the surrounding area. At the same time, a European perspective is also needed. There should be no adverse competition between airports based on regulations.”
