Brussels Airport posts solid first-half growth despite strikes and Middle East disruption

Brussels Airport handled 11.68 million passengers during the first six months of 2026, a 3.6% increase compared with the same period last year, while cargo volumes rose 8.3% to almost 420,000 tonnes, despite industrial action and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

The airport strengthened its global network with eight new destinations, including five long-haul routes. Highlights included Air China’s new Chengdu service, LATAM’s launch of the first direct Belgium–South America route in more than 25 years with flights to São Paulo, and Brussels Airlines’ new Kilimanjaro service. However, growth was tempered by suspended flights to Tel Aviv, reduced Gulf services and three days of disruption caused by strikes, affecting around 80,000 passengers.

Cargo continued to outperform, driven by strong growth in full freighter operations (+16.7%) and trucked cargo (+16.2%), while belly cargo remained broadly stable despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. Brussels Airport said continued investments in its cargo infrastructure are supporting long-term growth.

In June, the airport welcomed 2.22 million passengers, up 1.7%, as flights to Doha resumed and new services to São Paulo, Kilimanjaro and Halifax were introduced. Cargo volumes increased 12.2% to 70,895 tonnes, while commercial flight movements were virtually unchanged (-0.1%), with passenger flights increasing and cargo flights declining slightly.