Brussels Airport expects over 1 million passengers during the Christmas break

Brussels Airport expects more than 1 million passengers during the Christmas holidays. With nearly 1,060,000 passengers expected to depart and arrive (almost 3% more than last year), this is a new record for this holiday season. At the start of the holidays, on Friday 19 December, nearly 70,000 passengers are expected. They will be able to enjoy a unique Christmas concert on that day by the ‘Scaletta Choir’, the children's and youth choir of 'Scala'. 

As of Friday 19 December, the Christmas holiday rush starts at Brussels Airport. While many travellers are leaving for destinations abroad during this holiday, many other passengers are returning to Belgium to spend the end-of-year period here. From Friday 19 December to Sunday 4 January, the airport anticipates nearly 1,060,000 passengers, about 3% more than last year.  The holiday season kicks off on 19 December, which will also be one of the busiest days with around 70,000 passengers expected, including 40,000 departing travellers. Monday 29 December will be the busiest changeover day with a total of nearly 72,000 passengers. 

Wide range of winter and sunny destinations 

This winter season, travellers can choose from 137 direct destinations around the world. This includes three new routes: the new winter sports destination Sälen/Scandinavian Mountains Airport (Sweden), Larnaca (Cyprus) and Chongqing (China). Classic winter sports destinations like Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Kittila also continue to be popular choices over the Christmas break.  

Travellers who prefer sunny destinations can choose from the Canary Islands, Egypt, the Cape Verde Islands, Morocco, Tunisia, and more. Destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong are also in demand, with many passengers often travelling on to other Asian destinations. 

Christmas spirit at the airport with youth choir and orchestra 

At Brussels Airport, passengers will be welcomed in a cosy Christmas atmosphere during the coming weeks, including a giant Christmas bauble outside in front of the departure hall and dozens of Christmas trees and thousands of lights throughout the airport.  

On Friday 19 December from 4pm, 'Scaletta Choir', the children and youth choir of the Belgian choir 'Scala', will perform a unique Christmas concert in Pier A. At the same time, the youth orchestra and wind quintet of the Harmonie Sint-Rumoldus concert band will play for passengers at the bus station entrance.  

You can also spot Santa and his elves at the airport for a fun photo between Friday 19 December and Wednesday 24 December. And for last-minute Christmas gifts, shops at Brussels Airport have a great selection of articles for everyone, from gadgets to perfume or clothing. 

Fly carefree into the new year 

To start your holiday worry-free, here are a few handy tips for passengers: 

• passengers should get to the airport in time. Consult our website for advice for your specific flight.  

• Travelling to the airport by public transport is easy and quick. If you come by car, you are advised to reserve a parking space and take into account possible works in the area.  

• For hand luggage, the rule still applies that containers must not exceed 100 millimetres and 1 litre in total.  

For all your questions and specific flight information, please consult the revamped Brussels Airport App, where you can activate notifications to receive live updates about your flight, including information about the check-in desk, waiting times and gate number.