2.2 million passengers at Brussels Airport in October, an increase of 6%

Cargo volumes grow by 25% to 81,000 tonnes 

6 strike days this year cost the Belgian economy 150 million euros, 250,000 passengers affected so far 

Brussels Airport welcomed 2.2 million passengers in October, an increase of 6% compared to October 2024. The autumn mid-term break in both French- and Dutch-speaking schools had a positive impact on passenger numbers, which could have been even higher without the national strike on October 14. Total cargo volumes rose by about 25% to a total of 81,000 tonnes. 

Passenger numbers: +6% compared to October 2024 

In October, the airport welcomed 2,228,691 passengers, up 6% from October 2024. This increase is mainly due to the busy mid-term break period, which accounts for around 1.2 million travelers in total. Passenger growth could have been stronger had it not been hampered by the national strike on Tuesday, October 14, which caused all departing passenger flights to be cancelled and about half of the arriving flights to be called off.  

Since the beginning of 2025, six strike days have already taken place, impacting around 250,000 passengers. The national union actions have already cost the Belgian economy 150 million euros this year. For the last week of November, the three national unions have also announced new coordinated actions. Brussels Airport is currently assessing the potential impact together with its airport partners. 

The share of transfer passengers was 13%, similar to October 2024. 

The ten most popular destinations last month were Spain, Italy, Germany, Türkiye, Morocco, Portugal, Greece, France, the United States, and Switzerland. 

Total cargo volumes: +25% compared to October 2024    

Total cargo volumes at Brussels Airport increased by 25% in October compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 80,638 tonnes in total. The total amount of flown cargo rose by 24%, reaching 66,954 tonnes.  

The full-freighter segment increased by 7%, belly cargo rose by 53%, thanks to the strong growth of long-haul flights over the past twelve months. Integrator services recorded a strong 24% increase compared to October 2024. Trucked cargo volumes decreased by 28%.     

The main import regions were Asia, Africa, and North America. Asia also remained the most important export region, followed by North America and Africa. 

Flight movements: +3% compared to October 2024 

The number of flight movements in October 2025 increased by 3% compared to the previous year. The number of passenger flights saw a 3.3% increase, while cargo flights decreased by 1%. 

In October 2025, there was an average of 151 passengers per flight, 3% more than in October 2024.