Brussels Airport handled 24.4 million passengers in 2025, a 3.3 % increase on 2024 despite seven national union actions that forced the cancellation of 2,400 flights and wiped out 275,000 potential travellers, according to a results statement released on 23 January. Cargo volumes rose 8.5 % to 795,000 tonnes, buoyed by strong e-commerce flows. (brusselsairport.be)
Chief Executive Arnaud Feist said industrial action and a cyber-incident at a supplier were the main headwinds, but emphasised network expansion with six new destinations and the launch of “Hub 3.0,” a €150 million passenger-experience overhaul. The airport’s resilience matters for global-mobility managers who route assignees through Europe’s capital of EU policymaking.
Looking ahead, the airport is in the final stretch of preparations for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) set to become mandatory on 10 April 2026. Recent infrastructure investments include 61 biometric kiosks and 36 e-gates, aimed at keeping border-control times within 45 minutes even on strike-hit days.
![Brussels Airport Reports 3.3 % Passenger Growth in 2025 but Union Actions Cost 275,000 Travellers]()
For organisations needing fast, compliant Schengen paperwork before the EES goes live, VisaHQ’s Belgium platform (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) streamlines visa procurement with digital document checks, real-time status tracking and corporate dashboards that sync with most travel-management systems. The service helps HR teams avoid last-minute hold-ups by flagging potential issues early and automating renewal reminders.
For multinationals, the passenger rebound underscores why contingency clauses remain essential in relocation packages: sudden work stoppages can derail onboarding schedules and family-reunification timelines. HR teams are advised to book flexible fares during Q1 2026, when further rail and airport union actions are possible.
The cargo uptick is also relevant for employers relocating lab equipment or time-sensitive pharma shipments. Airport management highlighted improvements in Customs e-clearance that cut average release times by 12 %, a benefit for companies moving household goods under transfer-of-residence relief.
Brussels Airport will publish monthly traffic data with strike-impact annotations, enabling mobility planners to benchmark expected delays and adjust travel-policy thresholds for trip approvals.
Chief Executive Arnaud Feist said industrial action and a cyber-incident at a supplier were the main headwinds, but emphasised network expansion with six new destinations and the launch of “Hub 3.0,” a €150 million passenger-experience overhaul. The airport’s resilience matters for global-mobility managers who route assignees through Europe’s capital of EU policymaking.
Looking ahead, the airport is in the final stretch of preparations for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) set to become mandatory on 10 April 2026. Recent infrastructure investments include 61 biometric kiosks and 36 e-gates, aimed at keeping border-control times within 45 minutes even on strike-hit days.
For organisations needing fast, compliant Schengen paperwork before the EES goes live, VisaHQ’s Belgium platform (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) streamlines visa procurement with digital document checks, real-time status tracking and corporate dashboards that sync with most travel-management systems. The service helps HR teams avoid last-minute hold-ups by flagging potential issues early and automating renewal reminders.
For multinationals, the passenger rebound underscores why contingency clauses remain essential in relocation packages: sudden work stoppages can derail onboarding schedules and family-reunification timelines. HR teams are advised to book flexible fares during Q1 2026, when further rail and airport union actions are possible.
The cargo uptick is also relevant for employers relocating lab equipment or time-sensitive pharma shipments. Airport management highlighted improvements in Customs e-clearance that cut average release times by 12 %, a benefit for companies moving household goods under transfer-of-residence relief.
Brussels Airport will publish monthly traffic data with strike-impact annotations, enabling mobility planners to benchmark expected delays and adjust travel-policy thresholds for trip approvals.
