Brussels Airport is strengthening its long-haul network to China after Air China confirmed it will resume flights to the Belgian capital next spring. Beginning 24 March 2026, the Star Alliance carrier will operate a daily Boeing 787 service between Beijing Capital (PEK) and Brussels Zaventem (BRU), competing head-to-head with Hainan Airlines. Just two days later, on 26 March, Air China will inaugurate a thrice-weekly route to Chengdu, making the Sichuan metropolis the fifth mainland Chinese city on the airport’s passenger map.
The announcement, released on 1 December 2025, underscores the rebound in Sino-Belgian traffic after Beijing extended its 30-day visa-waiver programme for Belgian passport holders until the end of 2026. Business groups such as Agoria and the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news, noting that Chengdu hosts R&D centres for Solvay, Umicore and AB InBev. Daily lift to Beijing will also facilitate ministerial visits as Brussels and Beijing mark 55 years of diplomatic relations next year.
![Air China Returns to Brussels With Daily Beijing Service and New Chengdu Route]()
For corporates, the extra capacity should translate into lower fares and more cargo belly-space for pharmaceutical exports, a segment that has grown 27 % year-on-year at BRU Pharma. Mobility managers expect smoother crew rotations too: Chinese technicians can now reach Belgian plants within 24 hours, bypassing lengthy Schengen visa waits thanks to the visa waiver.
Brussels Airport will offer 135 destinations this winter season, and its China portfolio now includes Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing (added last month) and Chengdu. Aviation analysts say the move positions Brussels as a secondary gateway to China, rivalling Frankfurt and Paris in niche markets such as life-sciences cold-chain logistics.
Travellers should note that Air China intends to codeshare with Brussels Airlines for European feeder traffic, pending regulatory approval. Tickets go on sale later this week; introductory round-trip economy fares start at €579 excluding taxes.
The announcement, released on 1 December 2025, underscores the rebound in Sino-Belgian traffic after Beijing extended its 30-day visa-waiver programme for Belgian passport holders until the end of 2026. Business groups such as Agoria and the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news, noting that Chengdu hosts R&D centres for Solvay, Umicore and AB InBev. Daily lift to Beijing will also facilitate ministerial visits as Brussels and Beijing mark 55 years of diplomatic relations next year.
For corporates, the extra capacity should translate into lower fares and more cargo belly-space for pharmaceutical exports, a segment that has grown 27 % year-on-year at BRU Pharma. Mobility managers expect smoother crew rotations too: Chinese technicians can now reach Belgian plants within 24 hours, bypassing lengthy Schengen visa waits thanks to the visa waiver.
Brussels Airport will offer 135 destinations this winter season, and its China portfolio now includes Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing (added last month) and Chengdu. Aviation analysts say the move positions Brussels as a secondary gateway to China, rivalling Frankfurt and Paris in niche markets such as life-sciences cold-chain logistics.
Travellers should note that Air China intends to codeshare with Brussels Airlines for European feeder traffic, pending regulatory approval. Tickets go on sale later this week; introductory round-trip economy fares start at €579 excluding taxes.
