Brussels residents protest aircraft noise over the Belgian capital

Yesterday 14:10

By: Azzat Manal

Brussels residents protest aircraft noise over the Belgian capital

More than 1,000 people took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday to protest against aircraft noise affecting several northern and western districts of the Belgian capital.

The demonstration was held in the Koekelberg area, where residents gathered near the entrance to Elisabeth Park to voice their opposition to flight routes used by aircraft approaching Brussels Airport. Protesters said repeated low-altitude flights have increasingly disrupted daily life in surrounding neighbourhoods.

Participants came from several parts of Brussels, including Evere, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Schaerbeek, Jette and Molenbeek. Residents in these areas have complained about frequent aircraft movements and the noise generated by planes passing over residential zones.

The main focus of the protest was the RNP 07L flight route, commonly known as the “Kurk” route, which crosses parts of northern and western Brussels. Residents argue that the concentration of flights along the route has created a persistent noise problem, particularly during periods of heavy air traffic.

Some demonstrators told local media that the situation has become increasingly difficult to tolerate, especially at night. They pointed to periods when aircraft can pass over affected neighbourhoods at intervals of only a few minutes, disrupting sleep and limiting residents’ ability to enjoy normal periods of quiet.

The controversy surrounding the route dates back to April 2025, when it was introduced as part of a trial arrangement for aircraft approaching Brussels Airport. According to Vincent Vanfin, president of the Free Air 4 Brussels association, the route has remained in use despite its initial experimental nature, contributing to what he described as a deterioration in residents’ quality of life.

Aircraft noise has long been a sensitive issue around Brussels Airport, where decisions on flight paths involve balancing the needs of a major transport hub with the concerns of densely populated communities. The Belgian capital’s high population density makes the distribution of aircraft traffic particularly contentious.

Residents’ groups have repeatedly called for changes to flight paths and a more balanced distribution of aircraft movements. They argue that no single group of neighbourhoods should bear a disproportionate share of the noise generated by airport operations.

Belgian authorities are now considering changes to the system. Federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke has said that work is under way on a new plan governing aircraft routes over Brussels, with proposals expected to be presented on October 1.

The planned review could provide an opportunity to reassess the current distribution of flights and examine possible alternatives. However, any changes are likely to involve competing interests, including aviation safety, airport operations, residents’ quality of life and the economic importance of air connectivity.

The latest demonstration reflects growing pressure on Belgian authorities to address the issue. For residents living beneath the affected routes, the debate is not simply about aviation policy but also about sleep, health, peace and the quality of everyday life in the capital.