Belgium Faces Major Travel Changes as Brussels Airport Rail Works Hit Passengers This Autumn

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Belgium faces major travel changes as Brussels Airport rail works hit passengers this autumn. Fewer trains will stop at Brussels Airport-Zaventem during major tunnel works, while services linking Brussels, the European Quarter, Zaventem and Leuven will change. Belgium faces another wave of travel changes as September timetable adjustments and replacement buses affect passengers before the main October works begin. This autumn, Brussels Airport users must check train times carefully, especially between 3 and 18 October. Rail works are driving the disruption, while EES border checks add another step for eligible non-EU travellers arriving or departing through the airport in Belgium.

Official Belgium Rail and Airport Travel Changes in 2026

Sources: SNCB, Brussels Airport and Council of the European Union.

Brussels Airport Rail Services Face Major Changes in October

The biggest development for international visitors concerns Brussels Airport-Zaventem station from 3 to 18 October 2026.

Infrastructure manager Infrabel is renovating the southern section of the railway tunnel that links the airport station with surrounding railway lines. SNCB says the work is necessary to maintain future rail safety and smooth traffic flows.

During construction, trains can reach Brussels Airport-Zaventem only through the northern side of the tunnel. As a result, fewer trains will stop at Brussels Airport-Zaventem.

Services between Brussels, the European Quarter, Zaventem and Leuven will also be affected. Preparatory work is planned for 19–20 September, followed by finishing work on 24–25 October.

This matters most for passengers who normally depend on trains to connect central Brussels or Leuven with the airport. SNCB advises passengers to use its journey planner or app to identify the best available connection during the works.

September Timetable Changes Add Another Challenge for Visitors

Belgium’s railway timetable changed from 7 September 2026. SNCB says the adjustments are designed partly to reduce the impact of extensive Infrabel infrastructure works taking place across the network.

A particularly important weekend for airport travellers is 13–14 September.

All trains between Ath and Tournai are replaced by SNCB buses during that weekend. Departure times of IC trains operating from Tournai through Brussels to Brussels Airport-Zaventem are also changed.

One Sunday evening P train from Mouscron towards Brussels and Louvain-la-Neuve is diverted through Mons, adding approximately 60 minutes to its journey.

Travellers connecting these rail services with flights should therefore check the latest timetable rather than relying on their usual departure time.

Belgium–France Rail Passengers Also Face September Disruption

International rail passengers are also affected by infrastructure works between Kortrijk and Lille Flandres in France.

SNCB confirms changes on the weekends of 19–20 September and 26–27 September 2026. During the works, SNCB replacement buses take the place of trains between Kortrijk and Lille Flandres, stopping at locations including Mouscron, Tourcoing, Roubaix and Lille.

Additional works are listed between Jette and Dendermonde on weekends from 12 September through 25 October, adding another reason for visitors travelling around Belgium to check live rail information before setting out.

Non-EU Travellers Must Prepare for EES Checks at Brussels Airport

Rail disruption is not the only change international travellers should know about.

The European Entry/Exit System, or EES, is now fully operational. The Council of the European Union confirms that full operation began on 10 April 2026 following its phased introduction.

At Brussels Airport, eligible non-EU nationals making short stays in the Schengen Area must provide information including their travel-document details, a facial image and fingerprints. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection.

Brussels Airport has 61 pre-registration kiosks and additional border-control facilities. Importantly, the airport currently says passengers do not need to arrive earlier solely because of EES unless specifically instructed.

What Belgium Travellers Should Know Before Their Journey

The combination of airport tunnel works, altered train timetables, replacement buses and EES border procedures means planning is especially important for Belgium trips in September and October 2026.

The main concern is not an airport closure. Brussels Airport remains accessible. Instead, travellers face reduced rail availability and modified connections, particularly from 3 to 18 October. Checking the official SNCB journey planner before travelling and allowing sufficient connection time between trains and flights can reduce the risk of missed connections during the works.

Belgium Faces Major Travel Changes as Brussels Airport Rail Works Hit Passengers This Autumn because essential tunnel renovation is reducing rail access to the airport and changing services across key routes. The disruption affects airport trains, domestic connections and some Belgium–France journeys, while EES checks add another travel step for eligible non-EU visitors. Brussels Airport remains open, but passengers should expect fewer trains, replacement buses and altered departure times on specific dates. The best response is simple: check SNCB schedules before travelling, allow extra connection time and prepare for border procedures so journeys remain smoother during the autumn works period.