2,271,847 passengers passed through Brussels Airport in May, up 3.2% from May 2025. Air cargo volumes grew by 12% to nearly 76,000 tonnes.
This continued growth since the start of the year was achieved despite the ongoing war in the Middle East and the national day of industrial action on 12 May.
Passenger numbers continue to grow, up 3.2% from May 2025
Despite the above-mentioned events that had an impact on operations, passenger numbers at Brussels Airport continue to grow. The airport welcomed 2,271,847 passengers last month, up 3.2% compared to May 2025. Passenger growth was driven in particular by several long weekends, including the 1 May weekend, as well as by the end of the school holidays of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles.
The ten most popular destinations last month were the same as in April: Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Germany, Portugal, France, the United States and Switzerland.
Transfer passengers accounted for 13% of the departing passengers and once again recorded growth, mainly towards Europe, Africa and North America, confirming Brussels Airport’s role as a strategic European hub connecting these regions.
As in the two previous months, the situation in the Middle East continues to affect activities at Brussels Airport. There are currently no flights to Tel Aviv or Doha, and flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are operating at reduced frequency.
Cargo volumes record strong 12% growth
In May, total cargo volumes through Brussels Airport reached 75,847 tonnes, representing an increase of 12% compared to the same period in 2025. This double-digit growth is mainly driven by the increase in flown cargo (+12.3%), particularly due to the boom in the full freighter segment (+53.3%), linked to higher volumes with Asia and South America. Trucked volumes also recorded double-digit growth (+10.1%).
In contrast, integrator services declined for the first time this year (-5.4%). Cargo carried on passenger flights (“belly cargo”) continues to be affected by the situation in the Middle East, decreasing by 5.3%.
Slight increase in commercial flight movements (+0.6%)
Brussels Airport recorded a 0.6% increase in the number of commercial flight movements in May compared to May 2025. This growth was visible in both passenger flights (+0.8%) and cargo flights (+0.4%).
Passenger load factors have continued to rise since the start of the year. On average, there were 147 passengers per flight in May, four more than in the same period last year, reflecting sustained demand and more efficient use of capacity.
