International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Airport (Zaventem) | Brussels | BRU | EBBR |
| Brussels South Charleroi Airport | Charleroi | CRL | EBCI |
| Antwerp International Airport | Antwerp | ANR | EBAW |
| Liège Airport | Liège | LGG | EBLG |
| Ostend-Bruges International Airport | Ostend | OST | EBOS |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spa-La Sauvenière Airport | Spa | None | EBSP |
| Namur Airport | Namur | None | EBNM |
| Saint-Hubert Airfield | Saint-Hubert | None | EBSH |
| Grimbergen Airport | Grimbergen | None | EBGB |
| Genk-Zwartberg Airport | Genk | None | EBZW |
Notes:
- Brussels Airport (BRU) is the primary international gateway to Belgium.
- Other international airports like Charleroi and Liège also handle a significant number of international flights, especially low-cost carriers and cargo.
- Domestic airports in Belgium are mainly used for general aviation, flight training, or private flights.
Belgium Airports: Modernisation Plans for 2025 and Beyond
Belgium, a small European country known for its rich history and diverse culture, has several airports serving travellers from around the world. These airports play a crucial role in connecting Belgium to other nations and facilitating both business and leisure travel.
Belgium has five main airports for international passenger flights, with Brussels Airport being the largest and busiest. Located just 12 km from the capital city, Brussels Airport serves as a hub for Brussels Airlines and offers flights to destinations across Europe and beyond. Other important airports include Charleroi Airport, Antwerp Airport, Ostend-Bruges Airport, and Liège Airport.
Each airport in Belgium has its own unique features and advantages. For example, Charleroi Airport is known for its low-cost carriers, while Antwerp Airport caters to regional flights. These airports not only connect Belgium to the rest of the world but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy and tourism industry.
Major Airports and Infrastructure
Belgium has several key airports that serve as vital gateways for international travel and commerce. These airports provide essential connections both within Europe and to destinations around the globe, supporting Belgium’s role as a hub for business and tourism.
Brussels Airport (Zaventem)
Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem Airport, is Belgium’s largest and busiest airport. Located just 12 km northeast of Brussels city centre, it serves as the country’s main international airport. In 2022, Brussels Airport handled over 18 million passengers.
The airport boasts modern facilities, including:
- Three runways
- Numerous duty-free shops
- A wide range of restaurants and cafes
- Car rental services
Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s flag carrier, uses Brussels Airport as its main hub. The airport offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide, making it a crucial link for both business and leisure travellers.
Charleroi and Secondary Airports
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is Belgium’s second-busiest airport. Located 46 km south of Brussels, it primarily serves low-cost carriers. In 2022, Charleroi Airport handled over 7 million passengers.
Other important secondary airports in Belgium include:
- Liège Airport: A major cargo hub
- Antwerp International Airport: Serving the Flanders region
- Ostend-Bruges International Airport: Handling both passenger and cargo flights
These airports play a vital role in providing regional access and supporting Belgium’s diverse air transport needs.
International Connections and Regional Access
Belgium’s airports offer excellent international connections. Brussels Airport serves as a key hub for flights to Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. It provides convenient access to major European cities, with frequent flights to London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
Regional airports like Charleroi and Antwerp enhance domestic connectivity. They offer flights to popular holiday destinations and serve as bases for low-cost carriers, making air travel more accessible to a wider range of passengers.
Belgium’s central location in Europe also means that many destinations are within easy reach by train or car, complementing the country’s air transport infrastructure.
Air Transport and Logistic Hubs
Belgium’s airports play a crucial role in the country’s economy. They serve as vital gateways for cargo and passengers, connecting Belgium to the rest of Europe and the world.
Cargo Operations and Commerce
Belgium boasts several key air cargo hubs that drive its logistics sector. Brussels Airport, located in Zaventem, is a major player in this arena. It specialises in transporting pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and live animals. The airport’s BRUcargo zone is a dedicated area for freight operations.
Liege Airport, situated in Wallonia, is another crucial cargo hub. It focuses on express delivery and e-commerce shipments. The airport operates 24/7, making it attractive for night-time freight operations.
Both airports contribute significantly to Belgium’s position as a logistics giant in Europe. They support high-value industries and promote growth in key sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals.
General Aviation and Local Aerodromes
Belgium’s aviation landscape extends beyond major commercial airports. The country has a network of smaller aerodromes catering to general aviation needs.
Notable examples include:
- Namur-Suarlée Airfield in Wallonia
- Goetsenhoven Airfield near Tienen
- Spa-La Sauvenière Airfield in the Ardennes
These facilities serve various purposes, from flight training to leisure aviation. They also support local businesses and tourism in their respective regions.
Belgium’s military air bases, such as Kleine Brogel and Beauvechain, sometimes allow civilian use. This dual-use approach enhances the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Heliports, including those at hospitals, form another crucial part of Belgium’s air transport network. They facilitate rapid medical transport and emergency services across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium has several airports that serve international travellers. These airports vary in size and location, offering different options for those flying into the country.
What are the main international airports in Belgium?
The main international airports in Belgium are Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, and Antwerp International Airport. Brussels Airport is the largest and busiest, handling most international flights.
How many airports are there in Belgium with international flights?
Belgium has five airports that handle international flights. These include Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, Antwerp International Airport, Liège Airport, and Ostend-Bruges International Airport.
Can you list all the airports located in Belgium?
Belgium has several airports, including Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, Antwerp International Airport, Liège Airport, and Ostend-Bruges International Airport. There are also smaller regional airports like Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport and Spa-La Sauvenière Airport.
What is the primary airport that you would use to enter Belgium?
Brussels Airport is the primary airport for entering Belgium. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling most international flights and offering connections to major cities worldwide.
Are there multiple airports serving the Brussels area?
Yes, there are two main airports serving the Brussels area. These are Brussels Airport, located in Zaventem, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, situated near Charleroi.
Which airport is the most central to downtown Brussels?
Brussels Airport is the most central to downtown Brussels. It is located about 12 kilometres northeast of the city centre, making it easily accessible by various means of transport.
