Gilkinet is a member of the Greens, while Weyts is part of the nationalist New Flemish Alliance.
“I have all the empathy for the inconvenience suffered by people flown over where they live, in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels,” added Gilkinet. “And that’s why I want to reduce the permitted noise volume for airplanes depending on the time of day and provide for quiet nights.”
According to the Belgian Health Council, some 160,000 people around the pole are at increased risk of exposure to excessive noise, which can lead to sleep disorders, learning difficulties, high blood pressure and the Depression.
The airport is located in the Flemish town of Zaventem, which is why the Flemish government is responsible for the environmental permit, which was renewed in March. Flight plans, however, fall under national jurisdiction.
The Flemish municipalities around the airport are contesting the air routing plan, arguing that it was revised without consulting the municipalities concerned.
According to Weyts, a daily fine of €100,000 is “not inconceivable… since the federal government already has to pay €50,000 per week in fines to certain municipalities” following another court decision.
Politico
