The Council of Ministers decided on Friday that airlines will have to be adjusted charges to air traffic controllers to discourage them from flying old and loud aircraft for short distances.
Airlines pay charges for the use of landing and take-off services from Zaventem airport. Now, the government is making this tax cheaper or more expensive, depending on how the aircraft performs, the time of day and the distance of the flight.
Airlines that fly in the morning, evening or at night at distances under 500 kilometres will have to pay 40% more in tax, particularly if they fly with an outdated aircraft which will pollute more and be noisier.
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For modern flights operating over long distances during the day, the charge will be reduced by up to 25%.
The move comes after the government last week decided to allocate €2.7 million so air traffic control can test for greener and quieter flights.
Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet believes that the charges can help reduce noise pollution for residents near the airport. He said it was an "important first step" in the right direction and wants to increase efforts in the coming months "to really make a difference."
The new rules will come into effect on 1 April 2023 when the new summer season for the airlines begins.
