On that day, the provincial government of Wallonia will state its final decision on the future regulation of air traffic in Liège (LGG). This follows appeals from opponents and supporters against the operating license granted to LGG last August.
In total, twenty-six appeals were submitted against the operating license Liège Airport was granted last summer. According to André Dolimont, the Walloon minister responsible for Belgian
airports, the decree that regulates the permit empowers the regional government to give a ruling on these appeals.
The objectors were both opponents of the further development of the airport as well as Liège Airport itself and its operators. The appeals could be submitted until 02OCT22, and Liège Airport was
among the first to do so, finding the new permit too restrictive. https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2022/10/16/li%C3%A8ge-airport-contests-wing-clipping-permit/
Last September, some 2,000 people demonstrated against the permit demanding a moratorium on air traffic growth over the Liège agglomeration. They also asked for time to thoroughly study the
environmental impact and to examine if LGG’s Master Plan is compatible with the objectives of carbon footprint reduction.
Decision is pending
As from 02OCT22, the technical teams within the department headed by Mr. Dolimont, were given 70 days to discuss the appeals, allowing them to write a technical report to the Walloon provincial
government. They could also ask to extend this period by another 30 days. According to LGG’s Director of Communication, Christian Delcourt, the airport has indeed asked for an extension. This
means that the report is to be expected by 15JAN23.
On that day, the Walloon government is expected to announce its final decision on the future air traffic at Liège. Since the decision-making process lies with the government, the airport does not
wish to comment on the appeals nor on the procedures, Mr. Delcourt told CargoForwarder Global.
The report will then be sent to the regional Ministers for the Environment, Ms. Céline Tellier, and Land Management, Mr. Willy Borsus. Meanwhile, André Dolimont has reaffirmed his willingness to
guarantee the continuity of the airport operation as well as employments.
Marcel Schoeters in Liège
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