Brussels Airport, Sälen, Larnaca Gear Up for Record Christmas Tourism Rush: What You Need to Know

Published on December 17, 2025

Brussels Airport, Sälen/Scandinavian Mountains Airport, Larnaca and Chongqing anchor a record Christmas tourism surge with nearly 1.06 million passengers expected from December 19 to January 4, up three percent from last year. Peak days include December 19 (seventy thousand travelers) and December 29 (seventy-two thousand), supported by one hundred thirty-seven direct destinations featuring new routes to Sweden’s Sälen ski hub, Cyprus’ Larnaca and China’s Chongqing. Traditional winter sports spots like Innsbruck and sunny escapes to Canary Islands, Egypt and Cape Verde drive demand, significantly impacting European tourism through heightened connectivity and festive enhancements.

Record Passenger Surge Powers Winter Tourism

Brussels Airport anticipates its busiest holiday period ever, surpassing prior records with nearly 1.06 million travelers across departures and arrivals. The three percent growth reflects robust tourism recovery, blending outbound Europeans to ski resorts and inbound visitors for Belgian festivities. December 19 launches the rush with seventy thousand passengers, while December 29 peaks at seventy-two thousand during changeovers.

This volume impacts tourism positively by filling hotels near Zaventem and stimulating Brussels’ Christmas markets.

New Routes Expand Ski and Sun Tourism

Winter schedule introduces Sälen/Scandinavian Mountains Airport via TUI fly weekly from December 20, linking Belgians to Swedish-Norwegian ski areas. Larnaca gains Aegean Airlines five-weekly A320neo service from December 1, enhancing Cyprus beach tourism. Hainan Airlines’ three-weekly Chongqing flights from November 22 deepen China-Europe ties, targeting business-leisure hybrids. These additions diversify tourism flows, boosting demand for Nordic slopes, Cypriot coasts and Chinese megacity explorations.

Classic Winter Sports Destinations Thrive

Innsbruck, Salzburg and Kittilä remain staples for alpine enthusiasts, with frequent flights sustaining Tyrolean lodges and Lapland aurora hunts. Canary Islands, Egypt, Cape Verde and Morocco draw sun-seekers, balancing snow with warmth. Long-haul favorites like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong see high loads, often connecting onward. Enhanced options impact tourism by reducing seasonality, supporting year-round resort economies.

Festive Enhancements Elevate Passenger Tourism

Christmas decorations, Scaletta Choir concerts December 19, Harmonie Sint-Rumoldus orchestra and Santa appearances December 19-24 create magical atmospheres. Giant baubles and lights immerse travelers, encouraging pre-flight shopping for gifts and souvenirs. These touches enhance tourism satisfaction, fostering positive associations with Brussels as a holiday gateway.

Passenger Tips Optimize Tourism Travel

Brussels Airport recommends timely arrivals, public transport or pre-booked parking, liquid rules compliance and app downloads for live updates on check-in, gates and delays. BRUce chatbot assists queries, streamlining tourism journeys amid peaks. Efficient navigation minimizes stress, maximizing destination enjoyment.

Economic Boost for Belgian Tourism

1.06 million passengers generate substantial tourism revenue, filling Zaventem hotels and Brussels eateries. Inbound Europeans fuel Atomium visits, while outbound Belgians sustain foreign resorts. Airport shops capture impulse buys, amplifying retail tourism. Record traffic signals sustained European tourism momentum.

New Airline Smartwings Enters Network

Smartwings joins with twelve weekly Prague A220 flights, adding capacity to Czechia’s capital. Quieter, low-emission operations align with green tourism goals, enhancing short-haul leisure.

Asia Connectivity Strengthens Long-Haul Tourism

Chongqing‘s supercity link via Hainan Airlines expands Brussels’ China reach, alongside Beijing and Chengdu plans for March 2026. Air China’s services target trade-tourism hybrids, impacting European-Asian tourism exchanges.

Sustainability in Peak Tourism Operations

Modern aircraft like A320neo and A220 reduce emissions during rush, supporting Brussels Airport’s eco-initiatives. Passenger tips promote efficient travel, minimizing tourism carbon footprints.

Regional Tourism Spillover Effects

Proximity to Ardennes ski areas and Bruges canals benefits from airport surges, with inbound flights filling Flanders heritage sites. Belgium tourism leverages connectivity for winter festivals. Brussels Airport’s record positions it as Europe’s festive tourism nexus.