The three municipalities emphasize that they do not wish to restrict the airport's operations, given its importance as an economic engine. However, they call for a balanced distribution of nuisance, ensuring that areas already experiencing high concentrations of air traffic do not automatically continue to bear this burden. This is a key principle within the Balanced Approach procedure, which examines possible measures.
Specifically, the municipalities are requesting the cancellation of the departure procedure 'Leuven Rechtdoor', introduced on March 6, 2014, which affects areas including Haacht, Rotselaar, and Holsbeek. In this region, ascending flights are added to the already dominant descending traffic, resulting in a greater burden than in other areas.
According to the Airport Mediation Service, a total of 7,459 departures on runways 07L and 07R in an easterly direction were registered in 2025. The municipalities accept 100,000 more descending aircraft movements than other regions, but the ascending 'Leuven Rechtdoor' route is considered excessive.
In the open letter to Minister Crucke, the municipalities urge the cancellation of 'Leuven Rechtdoor' and advocate for a safer and more balanced organization of departure traffic, with a transparent comparison of current and alternative traffic flows, including consideration for rest periods. They also demand consultation before significant decisions are made.
The objective is not to shift nuisance to other areas, but to reduce existing concentrations and distribute the burden more equitably, while maintaining safety, capacity, liveability, and practical feasibility.
