Brussels Airport renovates
33 passenger boarding bridges in Pier A
Brussels Airport has started renovation works on the passenger boarding bridges in Pier A, the terminal serving Schengen flights. All 33 bridges, which allow passengers to board the aircraft directly from the gate, will be upgraded by 2031. The project is being carried out in phases to minimise the impact on passengers and airport operations. The boarding bridges will be fitted with a new control system and, where necessary, components will be overhauled or replaced. The entire project represents an investment of approximately €25 million.
Over the next five years, the passenger boarding bridges in Pier A will undergo a thorough refurbishment. The oldest bridges date back to 2002, when the pier officially entered service. After nearly 25 years of intensive daily use, several technical and structural components have reached the point where renewal is required.
Each boarding bridge has been individually assessed to determine which components need refurbishment or replacement. Additional sensors will be installed, and the bridges will be equipped with a new control system, enabling ground handling teams to work more efficiently. Floors, windows and other components will also be renewed where necessary. This allows the passenger boarding bridges to continue operating smoothly and efficiently, for the comfort of passengers. Following the refurbishment, the bridges will be fully prepared for at least another fifteen years of operation while continuing to meet all applicable safety and operational standards.
To minimise disruption for passengers and airport activities, no more than three bridges will be renovated at the same time. This will ensure sufficient capacity remains available for flights and passengers. During the summer season, when passenger volumes are higher, a maximum of two bridges will be taken out of service simultaneously.
The movable sections of the bridges will be detached from the pier and transported to the manufacturer using specialised transport. After several months of refurbishment, depending on the scope of the work required, each bridge will be returned to Brussels Airport and reinstalled.
Through this investment, Brussels Airport continues to invest in a high-quality passenger experience for its 25 million annual travellers. The phased renovation programme is scheduled for completion in 2031.
