2.1 million passengers at Brussels Airport in October - Almost 65,000 tonnes of freight transported

More than 2.1 million passengers passed through Brussels Airport in October. An increase of 5% compared to the same month in 2023. The autumn mid-term break at the end of the month saw an increase in passenger numbers during that period. The national action of the security sector on 1 October, on the other hand, had a negative impact on passenger numbers. Total cargo volumes rose by 1% in October compared to last year. 

Passenger numbers: +5% compared to October 2023 

Brussels Airport welcomed 2,105,930 passengers in October, an increase of 5% compared to October 2023. The two-week autumn break in French-speaking schools, and the start of the one-week autumn break in Dutch-speaking schools, resulted in more passengers in the second half of the month. The national action of the security sector on 1 October, which severely affected departing flights, had a negative impact on passenger numbers. 

Transfer passengers accounted for 14% of the departing passengers in October. This correlates with Brussels Airport's role as a transfer hub for, among others, Star Alliance airlines. 

The top 10 countries in October were respectively Spain, Italy, Germany, Türkiye, Morocco, Portugal, Greece, the United States, France and Switzerland. 

Flown cargo volumes: up 1% 

Flown cargo volumes at Brussels Airport increased by 1% in October to 53,960 tons. Total cargo volumes also grew by 1% compared to October 2023, to a total of 64,646 tons.  

The full-cargo segment saw a 2% increase, while belly cargo saw a 3% decline. There was an increase of 1% in express services, and in trucked volumes.  

The primary import regions were Asia, Africa and North America. Asia also ranked first in terms of exports, followed by North America and Africa. 

Aircraft movements: 2% increase compared to 2023 

The number of aircraft movements in October 2024 increased by 2% compared to the previous year. The number of passenger flights saw a 1% increase. The number of cargo flights increased by 12% compared to October 2023. 

The average number of passengers per flight was 147, five more than in October of last year. This remains at a high level due to the deployment of larger aircraft and an increased load factor per flight.