This winter, passengers flying from Brussels Airport can choose from 135 direct destinations. These include two newly introduced routes: Sälen (Sweden) and Chongqing (China). The airport moreover welcomes a new airline: Smartwings, , which will operate direct flights to Prague. Ahead of the winter season, the airport is gearing up for the autumn holidays, with more than 1.2 million travellers expected.
Expanded services to Asia
Starting on 22 November, the Chinese airline Hainan Airlines will operate three weekly flights to Chongqing, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This metropolis in south-west China is a major economic hub and serves as the gateway to the Sichuan region. Cathay Pacific's four weekly flights to Hong Kong, which began in August, will continue throughout the winter season. This brings Brussels Airport's Asian network to eight direct destinations: Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen Hong Kong and Chongqing.
Czech newcomer
From 26 October, the Czech airline Smartwings will operate 12 weekly flights to Prague. These flights will use the Airbus A220, which is quieter and emits less CO₂ than previous generation.
A comprehensive winter programme with destinations for both snow lovers and sun seekers
In addition to classic winter sports destinations, snow enthusiasts can, for the first time, fly directly to Scandinavian Mountains Airport near Sälen. This new destination is located on the border between Sweden (Sälen) and Norway (Trysil), in the heart of one of Scandinavia's most popular ski resorts. TUI fly will offer flights to this destination once a week starting on 20 December. From 19 December, the airline will also introduce two weekly flights to Innsbruck.
Typical sunshine destinations remain popular in winter. Spain continues to be a top choice, with direct flights to various destinations including Alicante, Malaga and Barcelona. Destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong are also in demand, with many passengers continuing their journey to other parts of Asia. Morocco remains a popular destination in winter, which Transavia is successfully capitalising on. The airline is expanding its weekly offer with three flights to Agadir starting on 3 November.
More than 1.2 million travellers during the autumn holidays
But before the winter season reaches full swing, Brussels Airport is preparing for the autumn mid-term break. French-speaking schools start their holidays on Friday, 17 October. The airport expects around 78,000 passengers on that day.
The busiest day will be Friday 24 October, when the mid-term break starts in the Dutch-speaking schools. On that day, the airport will welcome no fewer than 82,000 travellers. In total, over 1.2 million passengers will travel through Brussels Airport during the autumn holidays, an increase of around 3.5% compared to last year.
5 tips for a great start to the holidays
To ensure its passengers have a smooth experience at the airport, Brussels Airport has some handy tips for a carefree start to their vacation.
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Arrive at the airport on time: two hours before a Schengen flight and three hours before a non-Schengen flight. Check the online tool to see the best time to arrive for a stress-free start to your journey.
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The airport is easily accessible by public transport (train, bus, taxi). Passengers who travel to the airport by car are advised to book a parking space in advance.
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Read this hand baggage information before you travel. Doing so will save you time at security.
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Want to know whether an item is allowed in your hand baggage? Upload a photo to our chatbot BRUce and quickly find out if it will pass screening.
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Flying outside the Schengen area? You'll need to pass border control. Always keep your travel documents (passport, visa, boarding pass) within easy reach. If you have a European passport, you can use the automated border control gates (e-gates).
Follow these handy tips, and your journey through the airport will be easy and comfortable before you head off to your favourite winter destination.
