Belgium's primary international gateway near Brussels.
Opened
1940
Location
Zaventem, Belgium
Brussels Airport, officially known as Brussels Airport and formerly Zaventem Airport, is the largest airport in Belgium and the primary international hub serving the Brussels Capital Region and surrounding areas. Located in Zaventem, approximately 12 kilometres northeast of central Brussels, it handles the majority of Belgium's air traffic.
The airport serves as the main hub for Brussels Airlines and is a significant base for TUI fly Belgium and other carriers. It handles over 20 million passengers annually in normal operating years and connects Belgium to destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Brussels Airport is operated by Brussels Airport Company, a private entity in which the Belgian federal government retains a minority stake. The airport gained international attention in March 2016 following terrorist attacks on its departure hall, after which significant security enhancements were implemented.
Terminals
The airport operates a single integrated terminal building with distinct piers, including Pier A for Schengen flights, Pier B for non-Schengen and intercontinental flights, and Pier C for additional capacity.
Getting to & from
Brussels Airport is connected to the city by the Airport Express rail service running direct trains to Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi, and Brussels-Noord stations in approximately 17 minutes, as well as by bus, taxi, and road via the E19 and R0 motorways.
Airlines here
Brussels Airlines uses the airport as its primary hub, while Ryanair, TUI fly Belgium, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and numerous other European and intercontinental carriers operate regular services.
Notable facts
›The airport was the site of coordinated terrorist bombings on 22 March 2016, killing 16 people in the departure hall.
›Brussels Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is headquartered at and hubs from Brussels Airport.
›The airport handles significant cargo volumes, ranking among the top cargo airports in Europe.
›Brussels Airport is owned approximately 75% by private consortium Manchester Airports Group and others, with the Belgian state retaining around 25%.
›The airport's IATA code BRU is one of the most recognized in Europe due to Brussels' role as the de facto capital of the European Union.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
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Passport, Visa & Immigration
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Brussels Airport is the main international airport of Belgium. It is located in the municipality of Zaventem in Flemish Brabant, 12 km northeast of Brussels. Also informally known as Brussels-National Airport or Brussels-Zaventem Airport, Brussels Airport handled more than 26 million passengers in 2019, making it the 26th-busiest airport in Europe. It is home to around 260 companies, together directly employing 20,000 people and serves as the home base for Brussels Airlines and TUI fly Belgium. The airport covers 1,245 hectares and contains three runways.