Brussels Airport has announced an ambitious infrastructure project – the largest in 30 years – to accommodate future passenger growth and improve sustainability.
The development, set for phased completion by 2032, includes an upgrade of the terminal, a new intermodal transport hub, a four-star hotel, a redesigned drop-off zone, and a green boulevard featuring park space.
Terminal expansion
A key part of the upgrade is the expansion of the departure and arrival halls, which are currently under pressure during peak times.
Today, narrow aisles at check-in areas and in the arrival hall create bottlenecks for passengers and limit comfort.
The terminal extension will alleviate these constraints, creating more spacious, light-filled areas that improve passenger flow and accommodate growing traveller numbers.
The expanded terminal will also offer better connectivity to other transport modes, and include design features that support passengers with reduced mobility.
New hotel
To support increasing passenger volumes and overnight needs, a new four-star hotel with more than 300 rooms will be built on the airport grounds.
This new facility will complement the existing Sheraton hotel and provide travellers with more accommodation options within walking distance of the terminal.
Focus on intermodality
Brussels Airport is also investing in its role as an intermodal transport hub.
Upgrades will improve links between trains, buses, taxis, private vehicles, cyclists, and the future airport tram. Plans include a new train station connection, an upgraded bus terminal, a redesigned taxi area, and improved cycling routes connected to the region’s cycle highways.
A new green boulevard will serve as a central access route, incorporating car, bicycle, and tram traffic, as well as park space to enhance the airport’s surroundings.
Work on the new drop-off zone begins at the end of the year and is expected to be completed by 2026. Major construction on the terminal, hotel, and transport hub is scheduled to begin in late 2026.
The entire redevelopment has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating natural light, sustainable materials, water filtration systems, solar panels, heat pumps, and geothermal energy.
