Brussels Airport passenger growth continues despite disruptions, cargo surges 12%

Brussels Airport welcomed nearly 2.3 million passengers in May 2026, a 3.2% increase compared with May 2025, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a national industrial action day that disrupted travel for around 25,000 passengers.

The airport handled 2.27 million passengers during the month, benefiting from several long weekends and the end of French-speaking school holidays. Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Morocco remained among the most popular destinations. Transfer traffic also continued to grow, particularly on routes linking Europe with Africa and North America.

Operations remain affected by the Middle East situation, with flights to Tel Aviv and Doha suspended and reduced services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Cargo activity recorded particularly strong growth, rising 12% year-on-year to 75,847 tonnes. The increase was driven by a 53.3% surge in full freighter traffic, supported by higher volumes to and from Asia and South America. Trucked cargo also increased significantly, although cargo carried on passenger aircraft declined due to the ongoing Middle East disruptions.

Commercial flight movements rose slightly by 0.6%, while aircraft occupancy continued to improve. Airlines carried an average of 147 passengers per flight in May, four more than a year earlier, reflecting sustained demand and more efficient use of available capacity.