The Superior Health Council wants to abolish night flights at Brussels Airport because they threaten the health of local residents. At least 160,000 people are at increased risk of health effects such as disturbed sleep, reduced lung function and changes in heart rhythm. The council concludes this after analyzing existing studies of noise pollution and air pollution from aircraft.
At the end of March, Flemish Minister of the Environment Zuhal Demir (N-VA) approved the new environmental permit for airport operator Brussels Airport Company. According to Demir, the permit offers a balance between the economic interests of the airport and the quality of life for the surrounding area. A complete ban on night flights is not included in the permit.
“Every year, the scientific evidence for the harmful effects of noise grows,” writes the Superior Health Council, in an advice that the federal government ordered a year and a half ago. “Noise pollution leads to feelings of irritation and sleep problems. Research also shows that noise pollution is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, delays in the learning process in school children and a negative impact on mental well-being, which increases the risk of depression.”
The Health Council also examined air pollution from aircraft. “Several studies show that the emission of ultra-fine particles, characteristic of aircraft, mainly leads to reduced lung function and changes in heart rhythm in the short term,” the council states. “In the long term, there is a connection with more cardiovascular disease, but also with negative birth outcomes such as lower birth weight.”
To counter the negative health effects, the Superior Health Council advocates banning flights between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The Council also proposes to develop additional noise indicators that take into account how often aircraft fly over and how loud they are during each overflight, instead of looking at average noise levels. The council also wants to see the concentration of flights in the early morning and evening reduced.
“There is no future for an airport in this densely populated region, which only thrives on important nighttime activity,” concludes Federal Minister for Health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit). Vandenbroucke is in favor of a “gradual, realistic but systematic reduction of night flights”, with flights with the noisiest aircraft being stopped first. “You have to let people sleep at night,” the minister adds.
Vandenbroucke further points out that broad socio-economic consultation is needed about airport activities. “This nocturnal activity also involves employment, often for low-skilled people for whom jobs are not available. Work and health must be balanced. Achieving this balance will be a crucial task for the next federal and Flemish government.”
