Belgium’s Economic Inspectorate has co-signed an open letter with 16 consumer-protection authorities worldwide warning carriers – including Brussels Airlines – that vague sustainability slogans could violate advertising law. Published on 10 March, the notice insists future marketing must be “truthful, clear and evidence-based”, banning aspirational statements such as “CO₂-neutral flight” unless fully documented. The move follows a 2025 EU media sweep that found more than 40 % of aviation climate claims potentially misleading. Although fines against 20 airlines remain under Commission review, Belgian regulators say interim guidance is needed because carriers are ramping up bio-fuel and offset promotions ahead of the 2027 EU mandate for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) quotas. For global mobility programmes, stricter oversight could affect the availability and pricing of so-called *green fares* used by companies to meet ESG travel targets. Airlines may withdraw poorly-substantiated carbon-neutral bundles or raise surcharges to fund verifiable SAF purchases. Travel-management companies (TMCs) expect revised emissions calculators once new disclosure templates roll out later this year. Failure to comply risks penalties under Belgium’s Market Practices Act, up to 4 % of Belgian annual turnover. While that may seem modest, reputational damage could be severe: the Inspectorate has hinted it will publish a quarterly “naming-and-shaming” list. Corporate travel buyers should therefore audit airline sustainability claims appearing in internal booking tools to ensure they withstand regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations.
Source: The Brussels Times
