The Walloon Government adopted this Thursday the 6th revision of the Noise Exposure Plans (PEB) for Liège and Charleroi airports. This could potentially grant additional support measures to local residents.
In Wallonia, the Government must reconcile the development of Walloon airports with protecting residents from noise pollution. The general framework is set by the Long-Term Development Plans (PDLT), within which the Noise Exposure Plans (PEB) fit. The PDLT set the maximum operating limits of the airports; the PEB set the support measures for the benefit of residents.
A rigorous approach, serving citizens
Every three years, the PEB are subject to revision. The aim is to ensure they correspond to the actual situation and take into account the ten-year development of activities, while remaining within the limits set by the PDLT.
The sixth revision of the PEB for Charleroi and Liège airports was adopted by the Government this Thursday, in second and final reading. It was carried out based on data observed during 2024 and on information and forecasts developed by the management companies for the ten-year projections.
Strengthened rights for affected residents
In practical terms, in Liège zones A', B', C' and D' will be extended. In Charleroi, zones A', B' and C' will also be extended.
In practice, the newly revised PEB potentially open up new rights for exposed residents: purchase of the dwelling, sound insulation, financial compensation.
The zones are ranked in descending order of noise level. Thus zone A' is noisier than zone D'. The support measures, provided by the Société Wallonne des Aéroports (SOWAER), are adapted according to the zones; zones A' and B' give rise to rights to property buyback, while insulation grants are paid out in C' and D', for example.
Cécile Neven, Walloon Minister for Airports: “With this revision of the noise exposure plans, Wallonia is fully taking up its responsibilities: better protecting local residents and objectifying the nuisance. This new decision confirms the Government's determination to support the development of our airports in a balanced way.”