Brussels Airport reports strong start to 2026 with passenger and cargo growth

Brussels Airport began 2026 with solid growth in both passenger traffic and cargo volumes, despite winter weather disruptions.

In January, the airport handled 1,601,051 passengers, a 5.5% increase compared to January 2025. Arrivals were particularly strong following the end of the Christmas holidays, and additional flights were accommodated due to weather-related diversions from Dutch airports. The average load factor improved to 135 passengers per flight (up from 131 year-on-year), and 18% of travellers were transfer passengers, reinforcing the airport’s hub function linking Europe with Africa and North America. The most popular destinations included Spain, Italy, Morocco, Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

Cargo performance also showed continued momentum. Total volumes reached 61,485 tonnes, up 3.5% year-on-year, with flown cargo increasing 2.4%. Growth was driven by stronger belly cargo on passenger aircraft (+5.1%) and robust express services (+10%), while the full-freighter segment declined by 8.2%. Trucked cargo rose sharply by 11.2%. Asia, North America and Africa remained the main import regions, with exports to Asia and Africa posting notable gains.

Commercial flight movements totalled 14,007, broadly stable (-0.1%). Passenger flights increased by 1.7%, while cargo flights fell by 9.4%, reflecting more efficient capacity utilisation and greater reliance on belly freight.

Overall, January figures confirm a positive trajectory for both passenger and cargo operations at Brussels Airport entering 2026.