Meldert Heliport

The closure was the direct result of a long-standing legal battle with local residents and the city of Aalst over noise pollution and environmental impact. The Council for Permit Disputes ultimately ruled that the operation of a heliport was incompatible with the site's location within a residential area with a rural character, citing the significant disruption it caused to the neighborhood's peace and quiet. The closure was not due to economic, military, or safety accident reasons, but rather a regulatory and legal decision based on zoning and environmental complaints.

The site has reverted to being solely a private residential property. The large, well-manicured lawn that served as the landing and takeoff area remains as part of the property's garden. Observable aviation infrastructure, such as the windsock that was previously visible, has been removed. The location is no longer a registered or operational heliport.

Meldert Heliport was a private heliport located at the residence of local businessman Dirk De Lathauwer on Putstraat. It was used exclusively for his personal and business-related helicopter travel. Its primary historical significance is local, defined by the multi-year, high-profile legal conflict between the owner and the community. This case became a notable example of the clash between private aviation rights and residential zoning regulations in Belgium. When active, its operations were restricted by its permit to a maximum of 200 helicopter movements (100 takeoffs and 100 landings) per year.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. The closure was based on a final and binding legal decision that permanently annulled the necessary permits on fundamental zoning and environmental grounds. A future reopening at this specific location is considered legally unfeasible.