Night flight ban withdrawn from Brussels National Airport - Brief Article

Airline Industry Information, Feb 14, 2000

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The Belgian government has withdrawn a plan by the Green Transport Minister to completely ban all night flights at Brussels National Airport, and has instead developed a compromise agreement that will result in DHL Worldwide Express staying on at the airport.

DHL had threatened to relocate if the complete ban was implemented and has stated that the new plans still `significantly impede our plans for growth and employment creation,` but that the company does `understand the residents` concerns and the need for a balanced solution.`

Under the compromise solution the noisiest jet aircraft will be phased out over a three-year period and airlines will be fined for breaching new night noise quotas, with the funds raised to be used to compensate residents or even acquire their homes.

About 8.8% of flights at Brussels International Airport occur at night and of these most are freighter aircraft.

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