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.
Tag: Turkey
Atlantis gay cruise now denied entry to Egypt
The gay cruise that attracted international attention after being denied permission to dock in Turkey (Türkiye) has now also been refused entry to Egypt.
Turkey bars Atlantis gay cruise from ports over ‘moral values’
Turkish authorities have barred an American gay cruise from calling at the ports of Kuşadası (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, forcing the ship to alter its Mediterranean itinerary and prompting renewed criticism of the country’s deteriorating record on LGBTQIA+ rights.
66 countries criminalise gay sex
The number of countries where consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal has risen to 66 following the adoption of a new anti-LGBTQ law in Niger in June 2026, marking a reversal after years of gradual global decriminalisation. Specialist on the subject is the blog 76 Crimes. When Colin Stewart started that project, the list contained…
Brussels Airport is expecting 5.2 million passengers this summer holiday
5.2 million passengers will travel via Brussels Airport in July and August 2026, 4% more than last year. The summer holiday is traditionally the peak season at the airport, with the holiday rush starting as early as Friday 26 June.
ILGA-Europe warns of growing rollback of LGBTI rights in European Union candidate countries
A new enlargement review published by the LGBTQIA+ advocacy organisation ILGA-Europe and regional network ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey warns that several countries seeking membership of the European Union are experiencing a significant deterioration in the protection of LGBTI rights.
European airport passenger traffic dips for first time since COVID recovery as disruptions mount
For the first time since Europe’s air travel rebound began in April 2021, passenger traffic at European airports fell by 0.7% in April compared to last year, according to Airport Council International Europe (ACI Europe)’s latest report. The decline, though small, underscores growing challenges for travellers, from geopolitical tensions to industrial action and border control…
Belgium slips to 4th in European LGBTQIA+ rights ranking: stagnation and unaddressed gaps
Belgium has dropped from second to fourth place on the Rainbow Map & Index 2026, ILGA Europe’s annual ranking of LGBTQIA+ rights across the continent. The ranking, published on 12 May 2026, reveals a troubling trend: while Belgium has long been regarded as a pioneer in LGBTQIA+ rights, its failure to address critical gaps has…
RAINBOW EUROPE MAP AND INDEX 2026 | Spain breaks Malta’s decade-long hold on Europe’s LGBTQIA+ rights top spot
As the rules-based international order fractures and democracy is under pressure from east and west, Spain‘s top ranking in ILGA-Europe‘s Rainbow Map of 49 countries on LGBTI human rights laws and policies stands as proof that political courage remains the most powerful answer. Belgium retains its score of 85% but falls to forth in the ranking,…
BRUSSELS AIRPORT | 24.4 million passengers in 2025, 3.3% more than in 2024, cargo grows by 8.5% with 795,000 tonnes of freight
24.4 million passengers travelled through Brussels Airport in Zaventem in 2025, an increase of 3.3% compared to 2024, the press release says.