More than 2.2 million passengers at Brussels Airport in September - Almost 59,000 tonnes of freight transported

Passenger numbers: +5% compared to September 2023

Brussels Airport welcomed 2,250,282 passengers in September, an increase of 5% compared to September 2023. The airport experienced 6% growth across the first three quarters of this year (the period January to September), with 18 million passengers to date.

The share of departing transfer passengers in September was 15%. This correlates with Brussels Airport's role as a transfer hub for, among others, Star Alliance airlines.

The top 10 countries in September were respectively Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Morocco, Portugal, the United States, France and Switzerland.

Air cargo volumes: up 5%

Flown cargo volumes at Brussels Airport increased by 5% in September to 49,242 tons. Total cargo volumes also increased 5% compared to September 2023, to a total of 59,216 tons.

The full-cargo segment experienced a 5% decline, while the cargo carried on board passenger aircraft rose by 19% due to the increase in the number of passenger flights. There was an increase of almost 6% in express services, and an increase of 2% in trucked volumes.

The primary import regions were Asia, Africa and North America. Asia also ranked first in terms of exports, followed by North America and Africa.

Aircraft movements: 4% increase compared to 2023

The number of aircraft movements in September 2024 increased by 4% compared to the previous year. The number of passenger flights saw a similar 4% increase. The average number of passengers per flight was 148, one more than in September of last year. This remains at a high level due to the deployment of larger aircraft and an increased load factor per flight. The number of cargo flights increased by 6% compared to September 2023.

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Memorandum of Understanding signed to boost pharma supply chain between Brussels Airport and the United States
On 20 April, Brussels Airport signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with United Airlines and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the state authority responsible for stimulating and supporting the development and expansion of Virginia's economy. The MoU aims to set up a dedicated pharmaceutical corridor between Brussels Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, creating aligned processes and a standardised flow between both airports. This partnership confirms Brussels Airport’s leading role as Europe’s preferred pharma hub and further strengthens its position as a trusted partner in building efficient and reliable pharma supply chains between Europe and the rest of the world.
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About Brussels Airport

Brussels Airport is one of the most important airports in Europe. In 2025, Brussels Airport welcomed 24.4 million passengers and transported 795,000 tonnes of cargo through the airport. Brussels Airport caters for the specific needs of business travellers and holidaymakers alike, on both intra-European and long haul flights. In 2026, the airport offers direct connections between Belgium and 205 destinations worldwide, with flights operated by 83 airlines.   

The airport also offers a leading cargo platform, specialised in the transport of pharmaceutical products, perishable goods, e-commerce and live animals. Brussels Airport is the most important pharmaceutical hub in Europe.

With its SHIFT 2027 strategy Brussels Airport Company intends to strengthen its position as a major European hub, accelerate its ambitious sustainability goals, e.g. through the European Green Deal project Stargate, and continue to diversify its activities by focusing on innovation and cooperation.

Brussels Airport is the second most important economic engine in Belgium, good for 64,000 direct and indirect jobs and is owned and operated by Brussels Airport Company. The shareholders are a consortium between PMV and private investors (75%) and FPIM/SFPI (25%). 

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Contact

Press Office Brussels Airport Company Luchthaven Brussel Nationaal 1M 1930 Zaventem

+32 (0)2 753 53 53 (for journalists only)

media@brusselsairport.be

www.brusselsairport.be