Brussels Residents Protest Intensified Air Route, Dubbed the ‘Crucke Route’

Brussels residents are voicing increasing frustration over the frequent use of the RNP 07L air route, leading to increased aircraft noise, particularly over the northwest of the city, including Schaerbeek, Molenbeek, and Koekelberg. The route, now colloquially known as the “Crucke Route” after Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, was initially presented as a temporary measure during airport works but has seen sustained use.

Temporary Route Becoming Semi-Permanent

Introduced in the summer of 2025, the RNP 07L route was intended as a temporary solution to manage air traffic during construction at Brussels Airport. However, residents and local associations in areas like Lennik, Sint-Anna-Pede, Itterbeek, and Dilbeek report that the route is being used with a quasi-permanent character, concentrating flights in a narrow corridor and increasing noise pollution even when no construction is underway. Concerns were raised even during the Christmas period regarding the route’s intensive use.

Mayoral Opposition and Lack of Transparency

Mayors of Koekelberg, Schaerbeek, and Molenbeek have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction, citing a lack of transparency and consultation regarding the route’s continued operation. A meeting with Minister Crucke’s cabinet on February 4th, 2026, yielded no concrete solutions, according to the mayors. Approximately 450,000 residents are affected by the increased noise levels.

Minister Crucke Defends Route as Safety Measure

Minister Crucke maintains that the RNP 07L route is not a political decision but a “purely alternative” procedure activated based on wind conditions. He states that Skeyes, the Belgian air navigation service provider, incorporates wind gusts into its calculations, leading to more frequent runway changes for safety reasons. However, Irina De Knop of the Anders party points out that runways 07 are used frequently even with moderate easterly winds of 4 to 6 knots.

Royal Castle Remains a No-Fly Zone

Despite the increased flight path adjustments, the royal castle in Laeken remains exempt from overflights for security reasons, a practice dating back to 1954. This exemption has drawn criticism from some, including Jeroen Van Lysebettens of the Green party, who questioned its justification.

Noise Violations and Citizen Action

Data indicates significant noise violations. While figures vary – Minister Crucke cites 1,317 violations – a 2025 report by the Federal Airport Ombudsman listed over 6,000 violations, with 4,700 related to Brussels noise standards. A citizen’s petition, “Non au survol intensif du Nord de Bruxelles,” has gathered over 6,500 signatures, highlighting resident concerns about low-altitude overflights, particularly during early morning and night hours.

Mitigation Efforts and Future Outlook

Faced with mounting criticism, Minister Crucke has requested Skeyes to optimize the procedure to reduce noise and commissioned a study on alternative routes, with results expected in April 2026. However, some, like Rajae Maouane of Ecolo, criticize the lack of federal coordination and arbitration, calling for a more proactive role in addressing the concerns of affected residents. The route’s use is currently extended until at least October 2026.