Brussels Airport tests giant air filter

From 22 June until the end of September, a special pilot project is taking place at Brussels Airport involving a large, mobile air filter installed on the lawn next to the skeyes control tower. This innovative device filters the ambient air to improve air quality on and around the airport site, for both local residents and staff.

The device, a container around twelve metres long, draws in air, removes fine and ultrafine particles using an advanced filtration system, and then releases the purified air back into the atmosphere. The installation will operate for a few hours a day between 8 am and 8 pm. As the device is located behind the noise barrier, the noise impact will be limited.

From mid-December to end March, a first test phase took place with the air filter on the tarmac, just in front of Pier A. Various air measurements performed around the unit show promising initial results. During the current test phase, the impact on air quality is also being monitored at greater distances. Following the trial period, the technology will be further refined and we will assess the potential of deploying it more widely at the airport in the future.

This project forms part of Stargate, a European Green Deal programme led by Brussels Airport. Together with 22 partners, the airport is testing and researching innovative solutions for more sustainable aviation.