Liège Airport has dismissed concerns over the potential loss of its environmental licence, stating on Wednesday that its operations remain secure despite a recent recommendation from the auditor of the Council of State to annul the permit.
The auditor, in a report issued in late February, argued that the airport’s application lacked sufficient data on environmental impact, supporting appeals filed by the municipality of Awans and various citizen groups against the permit granted by the previous Walloon government.
If the Council of State follows the recommendation, the airport could face the prospect of ceasing operations. However, the timing of a final decision remains uncertain.
Despite the auditor’s stance, Liège Airport’s management remains confident. It asserts that the current permit, granted in April 2023, is legally sound and well-substantiated.
“We are certain that airport operations will not be affected. We are working on an appropriate solution that will address any concerns in the coming weeks,” airport officials said in a statement.
This is not the first time the Council of State’s auditor has recommended cancelling the airport’s permit. A similar recommendation was made in February 2023 when the airport’s initial licence, issued in January of that year, faced legal challenges.
To avoid an operational shutdown, the Walloon government employed a procedural workaround, withdrawing the contested permit and subsequently granting a new one.
Liège Airport is a key player in European cargo transport and ranks as the fifth-largest cargo airport on the continent.
It handled 1,162,899 tonnes of goods in 2023, marking a 16% increase compared to 2022. Growth has continued into 2024, reinforcing the airport’s strategic importance for logistics and trade.
Looking ahead, the airport remains committed to its ambitious Masterplan 2023-2040, which includes a €500 million investment to expand and modernise its facilities.
The plan is designed to accommodate future growth while implementing sustainability measures to mitigate environmental concerns.
The outcome of the Council of State’s deliberations will determine whether the airport must once again navigate legal and bureaucratic hurdles. However, for now, Liège Airport remains resolute in its position, assuring stakeholders that its operations will continue uninterrupted.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
