Brussels Airport is expecting more than 430,000 passengers during the autumn holidays

Brussels Airport and its partners are preparing for the autumn mid-term break! During the ten-day holiday, the airport is expecting more than 430,000 passengers. All the shops and restaurants at Brussels Airport have reopened, and there are also several new outlets waiting to be discovered! Sun destinations and city trips are the most popular choices during this autumn break.

The autumn holidays are the first break after the summer holidays and are popular with those wanting to catch the last rays of sun in Europe, but also with the avid travellers who want to go farther afield. An expected 430,000 passengers will be passing through Brussels Airport during the 10-day break (from Friday 29 October to Sunday 7 November).  That is almost 60% of pre-Covid numbers (728,000 passengers in 2019), but more than the fourfold of the number of passengers in 2020 (97,500 passengers).

The most popular destinations in the autumn break are sun destinations, including the destinations that have recently reopened to tourists, and city trips to the south. The most popular sun destinations are Spain (Malaga, Alicante, Valencia), the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife), Portugal (Lisbon and Faro) and Turkey (Antalya). In addition, Egypt and the Cape Verde Islands are once again open for tourists and are proving very attractive. Popular destinations for city trips are Rome, Nice and Barcelona.

Discover what’s new at Brussels Airport

Now that the worst of the Covid crisis is behind us, all the restaurants and shops at Brussels Airport are once again open! Our passengers have a wide choice if they want to enjoy a meal or a drink before their flight or spend some time shopping, with a few new surprises waiting for them. As always, Brussels Airport is putting the spotlight on ‘the best of Belgium’ products.

In pier B, for example, there is the new Brewgate, where you will find a whole range of Belgian beers on tap, together with an assortment of beer tapas. In Pier A there is, in addition to the familiar outlets, the new Belgian Discovery Corner with artisan Belgian products including wine and chocolate, the best Belgian coffee offered by 7 artisan coffee roasters and both sweet and salty waffles from starred chef Yves Mattagne.

Those wanting to shop will find, as usual, a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, gifts, travel accessories and chocolates in the tax-free shops. Did you know that you can order products, such as perfume, cosmetics and the like, online in advance before leaving home at https://shop.brusselsairport.be/en/? Then all you need to do is pick up your order at the airport on departure, giving you more time to relax in the lounge or have something to eat or drink. If you prefer not to take the products with you on holiday, you can also pick them up on your return to the airport.

If you’d rather do your shopping at the airport, you will find two new shops in Pier B: the “Gautam diamonds kiosk” with jewels and precious stones from Antwerp and “Tintin & Toys” with toys, cuddly toys and a whole range of Tintin articles for fans of our Belgian cartoon hero.

In addition, the Kids Corner in Pier A has reopened this month. Our youngest passengers can play or read a book here before the flight; there is also a care area.

Tips for a smooth and relaxed departure

During the holiday periods, the airport can be extremely busy. Passengers are advised to prepare thoroughly for their departure. Face masks are still mandatory in the terminal and during your flight, and we strongly recommend that you regularly wash or disinfect your hands.

Check in advance which documents are required for your destinations. The Travel Map on the Brussels Airport website provides a handy summary of travel conditions and required documents per country. Also make sure you arrive at the airport well in time, because check-in may take a little longer due to the additional documents that have to be inspected. You can check at what time best to arrive at the airport for your specific flight online via https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/passengers/slot-advice.

Remember to fill in your electronic Passenger Locator Form before returning to Belgium. You can now only do this online; the paper form is no longer accepted. The Federal Police can check your QR code on your return to the airport.