Brussels Airport is set to undertake major infrastructure upgrades in the next few years. Key elements of the plan include the development of a new intermodal hub, an expanded departure and arrival hall, a new hotel, a revamped drop-off area, and the creation of a green boulevard with an accompanying park. This ambitious initiative marks the start of the airport’s third phase, representing its most significant investment in three decades, following the completion of the current terminal and Pier B in the 1990s. These improvements are designed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and ensure the airport maintains a high-quality travel experience. The project is expected to be fully completed by 2032.
Brussels Airport has unveiled its vision for the airport’s future, outlining an ambitious investment plan aimed at enhancing passenger infrastructure to accommodate projected growth in the coming years. The initiative, which aligns with the airport’s environmental permit, is designed to enhance the travel experience by prioritizing quality, mobility, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on improving both comfort and convenience for passengers.
Brussels Airport is dedicated to enhancing its accessibility as a central hub for all modes of transportation. Serving as a vital mobility center, the airport connects planes, trains, buses, taxis, cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and shuttle buses. With plans to further strengthen its role as an intermodal hub, the airport aims to improve access to various transport options, including the future terminus for the planned airport tram line. Additionally, cycling infrastructure will be upgraded, building on recent investments in connecting to cycle highways.
Currently, a single central axis with escalators links the train station, bus terminal, taxi area, and departure hall, an area that is nearing its maximum capacity. Future developments will spread out connections across different levels and transport modes. Planned upgrades include a new link to the train station, a revamped central bus terminal, an enhanced taxi area, and a new platform for intercity buses.
Brussels Airport plans to improve accessibility by creating a scenic green boulevard, complete with a park and designated spaces for the airport tram, cars, and bicycles. The goal is to promote intermodality and encourage the use of alternative transport options to and from the airport, facilitating a shift towards more sustainable travel modes.
A new drop-off zone will be constructed at the departure hall level, located behind the Sheraton hotel. This will provide passengers with a more seamless connection to the terminal while effectively separating drop-off traffic from other vehicle flows.
The proposed investment includes a significant expansion of both the departure and arrival halls to increase capacity.This expansion will improve connectivity between the terminal and various transport options, while also providing more space for passenger movement and processes such as check-in. Additionally, it will accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring better accessibility.
Currently, the arrival hall, where passengers meet or pick up visitors, and the departure hall near the first check-in counters, face congestion during peak times due to narrow aisles. The extension will address this issue by creating more room, enhancing the overall passenger experience and ensuring the airport can effectively manage the growing number of travelers in the future.
A new hotel will be built at Brussels Airport to meet the growing demand. This four-star hotel, with more than 300 rooms, will offer additional accommodations alongside the existing Sheraton hotel, providing passengers with more options.
A Sustainable Vision for 2032
The project prioritizes sustainability, quality, and enhanced passenger experience. It will feature the optimal use of natural light, eco-friendly materials, and innovative technologies like water infiltration systems, underground geothermal storage (BTES), heat pumps, and solar panels for generating electricity.
Construction of the intermodal hub, terminal expansion, and hotel is set to begin by late 2026, with phased completion anticipated by 2032. Meanwhile, the new drop-off zone will begin development by the end of this year, with a target completion date of late 2026.
This bold initiative underscores Brussels Airport’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading hub in Europe, enhancing connectivity, and providing improved services for passengers, businesses, and local communities.
