Frequently asked questions

It depends on the season. On average, there are about 500 flights a day. Check the monthly traffic statistics here. 

We have three runways that can be used in both directions. That makes six possible combinations for take-off and landing. 

Deciding which runway is used at what time is a complex process. Safety always comes first. Additionally, we follow the preferential runway usage policy set by the federal government and take weather conditions into account. 

Want to know more on how the decision is made and which runways are active right now? Find all the details on batc.be. 

We continuously monitor noise levels and visualise them with annual noise contours. This makes it easy to see where average noise levels are highest. 

The map below shows the noise contours around Brussels Airport. It will help you to immediately locate the areas with the highest average noise levels. The contours are calculated based on yearly average noise levels, with special attention to evening and night noise. 

Figure: Lden noise contours of 45 and 50 dB(A) for 2019, 2023 and 2024. 

We reward airlines for flying quieter and cleaner aircraft. They pay lower fees if their planes produce less noise and emissions. This approach works: today, 1 in 3 flights use modern, quieter aircraft. 
Flying at night is also more expensive than during daytime. This way we helps protect your sleep. 

By 2032, nearly 2 out of 3 flights will be operated by the quietest aircraft available. The number of silent landings will also increase. This  will reduce overall noise pressure so fewer people will be exposed to serious nuisance. 

We also tackle ground noise: 

• Single-engine taxiing 
• Electric vehicles for baggage transport and maintenance 
• Reduced use of auxiliary power units and ban on reverse thrust (causes more noise at landing) 
• A new engine test run site with sound barriers 
• Two extra noise barriers around the site. 

Read more about our noise reduction measures. 

Have questions or complaints about noise? Contact the Federal Mediator via airportmediation.be.  Want to know which runways are currently in use? Check batc.be.  

Since 2018, we have been CO₂-neutral for our own operations (with offsetting for unavoidable emissions). But we aim higher. By 2030, we want to achieve net zero carbon emissions through: 

• A fossil-free new heating installation  
• More renewable energy (e.g. from additional solar panels) 
• A fully electric vehicle fleet. 

We also look beyond our own site. Through Stargate, an innovative project with the European Commission, we promote sustainable aviation. We do this by: 

• promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs),electrifying ground transportand by experimenting with hydrogen. 

Airlines also play their part. We help them lower CO₂ emissions through incentives for quieter and cleaner aircraft. Since early 2023, sustainable fuels have been available at Brussels Airport. Find out more here. 

Night flights are limited to a maximum of 16,000 slots per year while there are about 200,000 flights annually (2024 figures). Between 11 PM and 6 AM, only flights with a night slot or exceptions are allowed. 

On weekends, restrictions are even tighter. During “quiet weekend nights”, no departures take place on Friday between 1 am and 6 am, and on Saturday and Sunday between midnight and 6 am. 

Only arrivals are allowed then, making the airspace less busy. 

Not Brussels Airport itself. The federal government determines runway usage and flight paths, and the air traffic control provider puts them into practice. 

Passenger numbers will continue to grow in line with the economy. By 2032, we expect about 32 million travellers. 
However, this won’t mean a huge increase in flights. We expect about a 2% increase in movements, mostly because planes are becoming larger with higher seat occupancy rates. 

To accommodate this growth in passenger numbers, we’re launching Hub 3.0, a major infrastructure project. Read more about the plans here. 

Residents play an important role. We value their input. Read how we engage with them here. 

Want to share or report something directly?  Click here. Want to stay informed? Sign up for our newsletter. 

Living near the airport means more than spotting planes. Brussels Airport provides around 30,000 jobs, with 6 out of 10 held by people living in the area. A great opportunity to work close to home. 

But the airport does more. It supports local events and initiatives, contributes through taxes and invests in a strong mobility network which also benefits local residents. 

Absolutely. We are part of the community and take that role seriously. 

Through our sponsorship policy, we support local initiatives and associations. From sports and culture to welfare and environment. 

Through the Brussels Airport Fund, in cooperation with the King Baudouin Foundation, we also give an extra boost to local projects.