The main access road to Brussels Airport has been closed in both directions following a gas leak caused during roadworks on the A201 motorway. As a result, the airport is currently inaccessible by car, including from the Brussels Ring Road (R0). Authorities are urging travellers to use rail transport instead.
“Passengers who are not yet stuck in traffic are advised to avoid the area. Travelling to the airport by train is currently the best option,” said Brussels Airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli to Het Laatste Nieuws. “At the moment, there is no alternative route available for road traffic.”
Belgian utility company Fluvius confirmed that a medium-pressure gas pipeline was damaged during works near the airport access road.
“Our teams are on their way to seal the leak as quickly as possible,” the company said.
The incident comes on a difficult day for the airport, as around half of all passenger flights have already been cancelled due to a national labour union strike. Airport operator Brussels Airport said it expects 259 flights today, compared to the usual 523.
Belgium’s Flemish Traffic Centre also warned motorists on social media that the A201 closure affects all vehicle access to the airport, including connections from the R0 ring road, and again advised passengers to travel by train instead.
Door een gaslek bij wegwerkzaamheden ter hoogte van luchthaven Zaventem @BrusselsAirport is de #A201 afgesloten in beide richtingen. Dus ook niet bereikbaar vanop de ring #Brussel #R0. Naar de luchthaven? Nu niet mogelijk met de auto. Neem de trein.
— Vlaams Verkeerscentrum (@verkeerscentrum) May 12, 2026