Brussels Airport welcomed almost 11.7 million passengers during the first six months of 2026, despite industrial action and disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. The airport also reported strong growth in cargo traffic, underlining its role as one of Europe‘s leading freight hubs.

Between January and June, 11,684,976 passengers travelled through Brussels Airport, a 3.6% increase compared with the first half of 2025. Cargo volumes grew even faster, rising by 8.3% to almost 420,000 tonnes.

New long-haul routes boost growth

Passenger growth was supported by an expanded route network. Eight new destinations were added during the first half of the year, including five long-haul services.

Among the most significant additions were Air China‘s new Chengdu service, strengthening links with Asia, and LATAM‘s direct flights to São Paulo in Brazil, the first non-stop connection between Belgium and South America in more than 25 years. Brussels Airlines also launched flights to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Disruptions limit stronger growth

The airport said the positive results were achieved despite several external disruptions.

The conflict in the Middle East led to the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and reduced services to several Persian Gulf destinations, while also affecting belly cargo transported in passenger aircraft.

Industrial action also disrupted operations. Two national strike days in March and May affected around 55,000 passengers, while the spontaneous strike by air traffic control provider Skeyes on 2 June resulted in the cancellation of all scheduled flights, disrupting another 25,000 travellers.

Cargo continues to outperform

Cargo traffic remained one of the airport’s strongest performers during the first half of the year.

Total cargo volumes increased by 8.3% to nearly 420,000 tonnes. Full freighter traffic recorded the strongest growth, rising by 16.7%, while trucked cargo increased by 16.2%. Belly cargo remained almost stable with growth of 0.1%, although this segment continued to suffer from reduced connectivity with the Middle East.

Brussels Airport attributed the increase to an expanding cargo network, higher frequencies on existing routes and ongoing investments in modernising its cargo facilities.

June sees continued passenger growth

In June alone, Brussels Airport handled 2,215,965 passengers, 1.7% more than in the same month last year.

Growth was driven by the resumption of flights to Doha from 15 June, the restoration of normal frequencies to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the launch of new services to São Paulo, Kilimanjaro, and Halifax. TUI Fly also introduced flights to Kayseri in Turkey (Türkiye), while Air Transat increased frequencies to Montreal.

Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, and Turkey remained the airport’s five most popular destination countries during the month, followed by Morocco, Portugal, France, the United States, and Switzerland. Transfer passengers accounted for 15% of outbound traffic, mainly connecting to destinations in Europe, Africa, and North America.

Double-digit cargo growth in June

Cargo volumes continued to accelerate in June, rising by 12.2% year-on-year to 70,895 tonnes.

Full freighter traffic increased by 16.5%, while trucked cargo surged by 42.4%. Belly cargo recovered after a slight decline in May, posting growth of 12.2%. Only the integrator segment recorded a small decrease of 0.5%.

Asia and North America remained the airport’s main import markets, with North America recording the strongest growth. Africa experienced a slight decline in import volumes.

Flight numbers remain stable

Commercial flight movements were virtually unchanged in June, decreasing by just 0.1% compared with June 2025.

Passenger flights increased by 1.9%, while cargo flights fell by 4.9%. Aircraft continued to operate with high occupancy, averaging 146 passengers per flight.

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