Anticipating Summer Rush: Brussels Airport Prepared for Approximately 5.1 Million Travelers
Brussels Airport has unveiled its summer plan for 2022, focusing on managing a busy travel season, introducing new services, and enhancing the traveler experience. The plan includes a host of measures aimed at ensuring smooth journeys for over 5.1 million passengers expected during July and August 2025.
**Popular Destinations**
The airport serves around 180 direct destinations during the summer peak, with top holiday destinations including Spain, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Morocco. These popular leisure travel destinations reflect a strong demand for Mediterranean and North African getaways. Portugal, Tunisia, Egypt, and Croatia are also among the most sought-after destinations from Brussels Airport.
**New Routes and Services**
In addition to serving popular destinations, Brussels Airport is expanding its network. Brussels Airlines has increased its fleet to 50 aircraft in 2025, adding new Airbus A320s for short- and medium-haul flights. The airline has also hired nearly 300 new staff, including cabin crew, pilots, and airport team members, plus 47 student cabin crew for the summer season.
New destinations for Brussels Airlines in recent years include Brindisi and Zurich, with plans to grow European operations by 10% in summer 2023. Although specific 2022 new routes information is limited, the airport consistently aims to expand its network.
**Traveler Experience and Smooth Travel Tips**
To reduce waiting times, Brussels Airport has doubled its bag drop capacity, allowing faster processing for passengers who check in online. Travelers are advised to arrive early to navigate busy terminals and security, check carry-on bags for free (a Brussels Airlines perk), and stay updated via the airline’s app for gate changes or delays.
Passengers are also encouraged to verify travel documents ahead via the Belgian Federal Foreign Affairs website. A new information desk is available in the departures hall from 6 am to 9 pm, providing assistance with flights, airport services, and travel tips.
**Airport and Infrastructure Preparations**
Over 1,800 outbound flights per week are scheduled, with a peak day expected to see over 93,000 passengers. To handle this demand, Brussels Airport has deployed extra police officers to cut queues at passport control.
An exclusive Tomorrowland pop-up will bring a "festival atmosphere" to Pier A in July, while a renovated Kids Play & Care area, featuring Smurf-themed play areas, baby-care facilities, and comfortable seating for breastfeeding mothers, is also located in Pier A.
On the rail side, Belgium has boosted summer train services to coastal and tourist destinations, connecting cities to zoos, theme parks, and festival sites, easing access and reducing road congestion near the airport.
**Preparing for Your Journey**
Passengers are advised to reserve parking spaces ahead of time, use public transport, and be aware of rules regarding hand luggage for a seamless travel experience. The BRUce chatbot has been introduced by Brussels Airport to analyze hand luggage items for compliance with rules. A brand-new Burger King is available in Pier B, and family-friendly refreshments can be found at Bar Festiv in Pier A.
A Dunkin' Donuts pop-up is located next to the large installation with the letters "Brussels Airport" outside the departures hall. Passengers are encouraged to get ready in advance for their departure to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience this summer season at Brussels Airport.
[1] Brussels Airport Company. (2022). Brussels Airport Summer Plan 2022. Retrieved from https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/news/press-releases/brussels-airport-summer-plan-2022
[2] Brussels Airlines. (2022). Brussels Airlines Summer 2022. Retrieved from https://www.brusselsairlines.com/en/flights/destinations/summer-2022
[3] Belgian Federal Foreign Affairs. (2022). Travel Advice and Updates. Retrieved from https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/travel-advice-and-updates/
- The summer travel season at Brussels Airport, in 2022, features a focus on managing a busy holiday season, with an aim to serve over 5.1 million passengers, particularly to destinations like Spain, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Tunisia, Egypt, and Croatia.
- Brussels Airport is expanding its network with Brussels Airlines, which has increased its fleet to 50 aircraft in 2025, added new Airbus A320s for short- and medium-haul flights, and plans to grow European operations by 10% in summer 2023.
- To ensure a smooth travel experience and reduce waiting times, Brussels Airport has taken measures such as doubling its bag drop capacity, deploying extra police officers at passport control, and providing a new information desk in the departures hall.
- For a seamless travel experience, passengers are advised to verify travel documents, reserve parking spaces ahead of time, use public transport, be aware of rules regarding hand luggage, and stay updated via apps for gate changes or delights, while enjoying family-friendly refreshments and brand-new food outlets within the airport premises.
