Brussels Airport Reports 11.7 Million Passengers and Strong Cargo Growth in H1 2026
Brussels Airport has reported solid results for the first six months of 2026. The airport welcomed 11.7 million passengers and handled nearly 420,000 tonnes of cargo, demonstrating resilience despite several operational challenges. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); Passenger numbers rose 3.6% compared to the same period in 2025, while cargo volumes increased by a healthy 8.3%. These figures highlight the airport’s ability to grow its network and maintain momentum in a demanding environment. Brussels Airport continues to strengthen its position as a key European hub for both travellers and freight. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Passenger Traffic Shows Steady Growth In the first half of 2026, Brussels Airport served exactly 11,684,976 passengers. This 3.6% increase came despite external disruptions, including social actions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The airport launched eight new destinations during this period, with five being long-haul routes. Notable additions included Air China’s services and a new route to Chengdu, which boosted connectivity with Asia. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); LATAM began direct flights to São Paulo—the first such link between Belgium and South America in over 25 years. Brussels Airlines also introduced a route to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. These expansions have significantly improved the airport’s international reach. Challenges affected operations throughout the period. The Middle East conflict led to the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and reduced services to the Gulf region. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Additionally, industrial actions in March and May impacted around 55,000 passengers, while a strike by air traffic provider skeyes on 2 June affected another 25,000 travellers. Despite these hurdles, demand for air travel remained strong, supporting overall growth. Cargo Volumes Surge 8.3% Cargo performance stood out even more, with nearly 420,000 tonnes handled in the first half of the year—an 8.3% rise year-on-year. This growth reinforces Brussels Airport’s status as one of Europe’s leading cargo gateways. Different segments contributed to the increase. Full freighter volumes grew by 16.7%, trucked cargo rose 16.2%, and flown cargo increased by 7%. Belly cargo saw only a modest 0.1% gain, as it remained sensitive to disruptions in Middle East routes. The airport’s strategy of diversifying goods and markets has clearly paid off. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Brussels Airport is investing in modernising its cargo zone to support future expansion. These improvements will help meet the needs of logistics operators and sustain long-term growth in pharmaceutical products, perishables, e-commerce, and other specialised segments. Photo Credit: Brussels Airport Positive Results Continue in June June 2026 delivered encouraging figures as well. The airport welcomed over 2.2 million passengers, up 1.7% from June 2025. New routes to São Paulo, Kilimanjaro, and Halifax, along with resumed services to Doha and increased frequencies to other destinations, helped drive this performance. Cargo volumes in June reached 70,895 tonnes, marking a strong 12.2% increase. Full freighter traffic grew significantly, and trucked cargo surged by 42.4%. Commercial flight movements remained nearly stable, with passenger flights up slightly. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Popular destinations in June included Spain, Italy, Greece, and Germany. Outbound transfer passengers accounted for 15% of traffic, showing healthy hub activity toward Europe, Africa, and North America. Looking Ahead These first-half results demonstrate Brussels Airport’s strong foundation. With 205 direct destinations served by 83 airlines in 2026, the airport offers excellent connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. Its cargo operations remain a European leader, particularly in pharmaceuticals. The airport’s SHIFT 2027 strategy focuses on sustainability, innovation, and diversification. By addressing challenges head-on and investing in infrastructure, Brussels Airport is well positioned to build on this positive momentum in the second half of the year and beyond. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); As one of Belgium’s major economic engines supporting around 64,000 jobs, the airport’s continued growth benefits the entire region. Travellers and businesses alike can expect even more opportunities from this dynamic European hub.