Over 500,000 passengers expected at Brussels-Charleroi airport during the spring break

CHARLEROI, 25 April 2024 – Brussels South Charleroi Airport is expecting high passenger numbers from Saturday 27 April 2024 due to the spring break in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. More than 500,000 passengers are expected to travel over the two-week period. All of our staff are actively preparing to give them the best possible welcome, whilst also guaranteeing safety.

The new school timetable in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, which came into force in 2021, has changed the schedule for holiday departures and spread out the crowds at Brussels-Charleroi airport over several weeks. However, the next two weeks will be busy for Brussels South Charleroi Airport’s employees.

More than 500,000 passengers, including many families, will be travelling through Brussels-Charleroi airport, an average of almost 32,000 passengers a day. There will be an average of 186 flights every day.

“We have a busy season ahead of us and these two weeks will help us get ready for the upcoming holidays.” Philippe VERDONCK, Chief Executive Officer of B.S.C.A., explains: “Sunny destinations remain at the top of the list this spring. The Mediterranean basin and the Canaries are a big hit with our travellers. In view of the large number of passengers we are expecting, we strongly recommend that you arrive at the airport between two and a half and three hours before your departure time. This means that you will be able to get through all the different aspects of air travel without any problems.”

B.S.C.A. offers a range of more than 200 destinations, around fifty of which are exclusive to Brussels-Charleroi airport. Cities including Ajaccio, Cagliari, Cork, Bastia, Palermo and Santiago de Compostela are only available from Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

The summer season began on 31 March, with a host of new destinations and the return of seasonal routes departing from B.S.C.A. Five new routes will be available from partner airlines during these holidays. Passengers will now be able to fly to Cork (Ireland), Gothenburg (Sweden), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Olbia (Italy, starting on 2 May 2024).

In spite of everything, even though passenger numbers are growing, the number of flights will change very little throughout the high season. This is due to a higher occupancy rate (88% on average, from 27 April to 12 May 2024) and the use of next-generation aircraft, which are significantly larger and offer greater capacity.

Advice on preparing for your departure

Going on holiday can cause stress and anxiety. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, plan ahead for the different stages of your trip to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Before travelling, it is important to check that your ID documents are correct and valid (ID card or passport). For some countries, you might need other documents. You should check this in advance with the airline or on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to avoid any unpleasant surprises when at the departure gate.

Getting to the airport

There are several different ways you can travel to Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Travellers and families can drive to the airport in their own car. The airport has a wide range of parking options to suit all budgets, however long or short your trip is. We strongly recommend booking a parking space online in advance, at attractive rates.

Public transport is a great alternative. There are Flibco shuttle buses between several major cities and B.S.C.A., with timetables to suit the airport’s operating hours.

Last but not least, there’s the train. Frequent TEC buses run between Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Luttre, Fleurus and Charleroi-Central stations.

For more information:

https://www.brussels-charleroi-airport.com/en/parking-access

At the airport

At B.S.C.A., we strive to make the passenger experience as pleasant as possible.

To avoid queues at baggage check-in, kiosks have now been set up so that passengers can complete this step themselves in just a few seconds using the Ryanair app downloaded onto their smartphone. Just put your suitcase on the scales, scan the QR Code and all you have to do is attach the label to your luggage before putting it on the conveyor belt.

Once this stage has been completed, and passengers have been through security, they can enjoy everything that B.S.C.A. has to offer:fancy some shopping, a bite to eat or a drink on the terrace? Take your pick.

If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, the B.S.C.A. Lounge is open between 05.00 and 22.00, offering a relaxing space with everything you need to guarantee comfort and well-being before take-off. Also available to book online.

For more information:

https://eparking.charleroi-airport.com/booking/itemhome.aspx?domaineID=17