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Brussels Airport started expanding by constructing a new sustainable logistics hub to improve cargo operations and air travel connections around Europe. The new facility will cover an area of 14,000 m². The new development will provide services to Yusen Logistics and APA, who have been partners in cargo operations for years. The development is designed with sustainable features, including solar power, energy efficient infrastructure, and a rainwater harvesting systems. This development is a great improvement in cargo operations and will help improve airline services to other major players in the airline services industry like Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France, United Airlines, KLM, and Emirates Airlines. This will help Brussels Airport be a great hub for business and tourist travel and aid in international logistics.

The Impact of the New Sustainable Logistics Hub on Air Travel and Tourism

Brussels Airport has sustained significant investment into its logistics infrastructure to accommodate cargo growth and the subsequent air travel demand. The new sustainable logistics hub will enable significant new capacity for Yusen Logistics and Air Promotions Agencies (APA) and will accommodate new capacity for pharmaceuticals and general cargo.

The new sustainable logistics hub at Brussels Airport will accommodate the following trends in passenger and cargo growth:

• By 2025, Passenger numbers will have grown to 24.4 million (a 3.3 % increase on 2024).
• Cargo volume will have grown to 795,000 tons (an 8.5 % increase on 2024).
• Brussels Airport is a logistics hub for 150+ companies and employs 7,000 staff.

Current expansion trends show an increase in passenger and freight traffic and business opportunities for potential new routes.

Major Airline Expansion & New Routes = Major Growth

Brussels Airport has seen considerable improvements in connectivity, with airlines signing new routes and adding seasonal services.

Key developments in 2026 included:

• Brussels Airlines introduced direct flights to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), increasing opportunities for safari trips.
• The airport’s summer schedule added five airlines for a total of 70 airlines offering service to 180 summer destinations.
• Routes to Halifax (Canada) and São Paulo (Brazil) and increased routes to Asia with Chengdu (China) included.

This growth reflects the current trends of European airline route expansion and improves connectivity for travelers from Turkey, Morocco, France, Germany, the United States, Spain, Italy and many more.

Airline Route Network Competition

Brussels Airport consolidates its role as a main European travel hub, offering more options for direct, quick flights.

Tourism Impact: Europe and Beyond

Growth of Brussels Airport cargo is a clear indicator of growing passenger travel and improving tourism in Belgium and its source markets.

Peak seasonal passengers come to Brussels Airport from:

• Spain
• Italy
• Germany
• France
• Turkey
• USA
• Morocco
• Portugal
• Switzerland
• Greece

Expanded direct routes, reduced travel time and frequency of flights strengthens tourism connections to Europe and intercontinental destinations and connects travelers to leisure, business, and historic sites in Belgium.

Brussels Airport serves as an access point to destinations throughout Belgium and Europe for overnight stays in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.

Financial indicators highlighting the continued growth in tourism include:

• In 2025, airport revenue reached a record high of €828 million, due in part to increases in passengers and cargo.
• €302 million worth of airport investments strengthens both the tourism and logistics sectors.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Hub

The design of the new logistics hub aims for BREEAM Excellent certification, and as such, is expected to excel in sustainability in the following areas:

• Construction of the facility with timber beams
• Implementation of solar energy systems
• Utilization of heat pumps
• Construction of rainwater harvesting gardens
• Installation of EV charging stations
• Construction of bicycle parking areas

These facilities show the growth of Brussels Airport in a responsible manner. Sustainability is a valued consideration for the modern traveler, and the facility is expected to show environmentally conscious practices.

What Travelers Should Do

The following consideration will help travelers from Brussels Airport in the most practical way:

• Travelers should check flight information often as airlines change their schedules.
• Travelers must purchase tickets to flights from Brussels Airport well in advance to secure both long-haul and flights during busy periods.
• Travelers must ensure eligibility for required visas and that passports are not expired.
• Travelers should follow the airline of choice for the latest information on direct flights.
• Travelers should utilize available airport services from customs pre-check to lounge access.

FAQs

What is the Brussels Airport sustainable logistics hub?

This is a new 14,000 m² facility for freight that will better support cargo partners and improve logistics services while maintaining high standards of care for the environment.

Q2: How does this new hub affect airlines and customers?

A: New routes, added service, and better efficiency for airlines leads to better passenger travel connections.

Q3: Who are the countries that benefit most from new routes?

A: More travel options and direct flights benefit people travelling in Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Turkey, the U.S., and Morocco.

Brussels Airport unveils a sustainable logistics hub, boosting cargo efficiency, eco-friendly operations, and airline connectivity for major carriers across Europe and beyond.

Author’s Comments

Brussels Airport combines cargo facility upgrades with an expanded passenger service offering, and presents a model for future air transport hubs. Dual focus aids logistics partners, while delivering passengers with new travel options to global markets. The new focus on sustainability is also an element of changing green travel offerings. The enhancements focus on growing passenger traffic and increased airline routes. The changes in travel are real and impacts are noticeable.