No secret airport deal says Belgian government

4 June 2004

BRUSSELS – The Belgian government has hotly denied claims that it has secretly approved plans to expand Zaventem airport just outside of Brussels, it was reported on Friday.

Transport Minister Bert Anciaux said the rumours, started by his predecessor, Green politician Isabelle Durant, were totally false.

In the run-up to this month’s European and regional elections in Belgium, Durant has made much of claims that the government is planning to increase the number of aircraft that use Zaventem during the day and at night.

She says she a recent government decision on the future of the company that runs Zaventem will lead to an increase in traffic at the airport.

But Anciaux and his government colleagues insist there is nothing in the decision Durant is citing to back up her claims.

The question of noise from Brussels airport is a major issue in the capital and has emerged as a key election concern for many voters.

Subject: Belgian news