Brussels Airport handled 1.77 million passengers in March 2026, a 1.9% year-on-year increase despite disruptions from the Middle East conflict and a national strike.
Flight cancellations and reduced services to destinations such as Tel Aviv, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi resulted in a loss of around 50,000 passengers, while strike action on 12 March affected a further 30,000 travellers.
Cargo performed strongly, rising 8.8% to approximately 75,000 tonnes, driven by growth in freighter and integrator operations, although belly cargo declined due to fewer passenger flights.
Operationally, flight movements dipped slightly (-0.7%), but average passengers per flight increased, indicating improved load factors. The airport also expanded its network with new airlines and routes, particularly strengthening connections to Asia.
