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Brussels Airport
Zaventem, Belgium
Brussels Airport
Belgium's primary international gateway near Brussels.
- ›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.
Brussels Airport, located in Zaventem roughly 12 kilometres northeast of the Belgian capital, is the primary international airport serving Brussels and the wider Benelux region. Opened in its modern form after World War II and significantly expanded over the decades, it handles around 25 million passengers annually and serves as a major hub for Brussels Airlines. The airport plays a critical role in connecting Belgium to global destinations across six continents.
- Departure Hall (Pier A) — Handles Schengen flights within the EU, including Brussels Airlines and other European carriers.
- Departure Hall (Pier B) — Serves non-Schengen and intercontinental flights, including Star Alliance and long-haul routes.
- Departure Hall (Pier C) — Used primarily for low-cost carriers and select point-to-point European services.
- Brussels Airport Express train to Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi, and Brussels-North stations (approximately 17 minutes to city centre)
- De Lijn and MIVB/STIB public buses connecting to surrounding municipalities
- Taxi and licensed cab services from the designated rank outside arrivals
- Uber and ride-hailing services available via app pickup zones
- Car rental desks from major providers including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget in the arrivals hall
- Private shuttle and hotel transfer services bookable in advance
- Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel (on-site, connected to terminal)
- Novotel Brussels Airport
- Holiday Inn Brussels Airport
- Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport
- Mercure Brussels Airport
Inside the terminal, travellers will find a broad mix of options ranging from Belgian classics like waffles and frites to international chains such as Exki, Le Pain Quotidien, and various coffee bars and brasseries airside. The pre-security area also offers sit-down restaurants suitable for those meeting arriving passengers. For a more authentic Belgian dining experience, the towns of Zaventem and nearby Leuven offer traditional taverns and restaurants just a short taxi or bus ride away.
- The Airport Express train is the fastest and most cost-effective way to reach Brussels city centre; validate your ticket before boarding.
- Brussels Airport has a dedicated fast-track security lane available for purchase — worth considering during peak morning hours.
- Duty-free chocolate and Belgian beer make ideal gifts and can be purchased airside after security.
- Allow extra time during EU school holiday periods as queues at passport control and security can be significantly longer than usual.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
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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.
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