The commemorative sculpture “Flight in Mind”, honouring victims of the 2016 Brussels Airport attacks, has been relocated to a more visible site along the access road at Brussels Airport. The move was made at the request of victims’ families to ensure broader public access and visibility.
The Memorial and its significance
The bronze sculpture holds deep symbolic value. It was originally located in the departure hall during the 2016 attacks, where it was severely damaged by the explosion, yet also shielded people nearby. After restoration, it was placed in the airport’s Memorial Garden in 2017, becoming a focal point for remembrance.
10th Anniversary Commemoration
The relocation coincided with the 10th anniversary ceremony held on March 22, 2026. The event brought together national figures, including Bart De Wever and Arnaud Feist, alongside Belgium’s King and Queen, emergency responders, and victims’ families.
A minute of silence was observed at 07:58, marking the exact moment of the first explosion. A newly unveiled plaque now lists the names of the 19 victims who lost their lives at the airport. The ceremony also featured a choir composed of 54 individuals affected by the attacks.
A More Accessible Place of Remembrance
By relocating the memorial to a prominent roadside location, the aim is to create a lasting, visible tribute—ensuring that passengers, visitors, and the broader public can more easily reflect on the events and honour those impacted.