Nearly 32,000 items lost at Brussels Airport in 2025, with thousands returned or donated

Brussels Airport recorded 31,861 lost or abandoned items in 2025, a year in which passenger numbers rose to 24.4 million, up around 3% year-on-year. Despite the high volume, nearly a quarter of all lost items (23%) were successfully returned to their owners, often within just three days.

With an average of 67,000 passengers passing through the airport daily, items are most commonly left behind at security screening, which accounts for around two-thirds of all losses. Clothing, identity documents and jewellery were the most frequently misplaced belongings, although more unusual items — including dentures — were also reported.

Items that remain unclaimed after six months are repurposed in line with the airport’s sustainability strategy. In 2025, Brussels Airport donated hundreds of electronic devices to non-profit Close The Gap, including 265 mobile phones, 243 tablets and 156 laptops. Clothing was distributed via social welfare organisations, while more than 16,400 kg of unopened liquids and products were donated to local public welfare centres. Additional items were auctioned or donated to humanitarian initiatives, including support for Ukraine.

The Lost & Found service continues to play a key role in the passenger experience, combining efficient recovery efforts with social and environmental responsibility.