A dispute over the interpretation of permits at Antwerp and Ostend airports could result in the Belgian Coast Guard having to suspend vital surveillance flights over the North Sea starting May 1. The airport operators have decided to ban the aviation fuel Avgas 100LL, even though its use is within the permitted limits under EU directives.
The airport operators’ measure is based on European regulations regarding lead content in fuels. Although Avgas 100LL is below the limits set by the EU and should therefore continue to be used legally, the airport operators are apparently interpreting the regulations more strictly. This would mean that the fuel would no longer be available for Coast Guard aircraft.
The coastguard aircraft, a Britten-Norman Islander with the registration OO-MMM, plays a critical role in monitoring the North Sea for pollution and enforcing maritime laws. Officials warn that the aircraft’s decommissioning could significantly impair its ability to respond to emergencies. The government has also been criticized for failing to replace the aging aircraft, despite a request to do so since 2018. The situation highlights the potential impact of differing interpretations of EU regulations on important government functions.