Brussels Airport has launched a tendering process to select new handlers for passengers, baggage, and cargo, with contracts set to begin in October 2025.
The new handling agreements will span seven years, continuing the airport’s ongoing efforts to maintain smooth operations as it adapts to growing demands.
Currently, the airport employs two passenger handlers and three cargo handlers. Passenger services are managed by Aviapartner and Alyzia, while three companies—Aviapartner, dnata, and Swissport—oversee cargo operations.
These licenses are set to expire in October 2025, prompting the airport’s call for bids to secure handlers for the next licensing period, running until 2032.
Passenger services at Zaventem Airport are critical to ensuring smooth operations for thousands of travelers. Aviapartner and Alyzia have been handling check-in, baggage processing, and boarding.
Aviapartner manages flights for TUI fly and Ryanair, while Alyzia primarily handles Brussels Airlines flights, the largest carrier at the airport.
The tendering process for the next period will maintain two passenger service handlers, with the possibility of adding a third only if the airport surpasses 24 million passengers in the year preceding the selection process.
However, the airport missed this target in 2023, serving just over 22 million passengers. Historically, the passenger service handling contracts were held by Swissport and Aviapartner, but in 2020, Swissport declared bankruptcy, causing a disruption in the handling landscape.
Alyzia, a French company, stepped in temporarily and later took over the remainder of Swissport’s license term. The upcoming licensing period will see a continued partnership between Aviapartner and Alyzia, with potential for a third handler if passenger traffic increases.
On the cargo side, Brussels Airport’s handling network has also evolved over the years. Since the previous licensing period, three cargo handlers—Aviapartner, dnata, and Swissport—have shared responsibilities. Despite Swissport’s bankruptcy in 2020, its cargo division remained unaffected.
For the next term, the airport plans to retain three cargo handlers, ensuring diverse and competitive service for freight operations, a crucial part of the airport’s business.
In addition to passenger and cargo handling, Brussels Airport is also seeking new bidders for inflight catering services.
This move underscores the airport’s commitment to improving the overall passenger experience, providing high-quality meals and services for travelers on both short-haul and long-haul flights.
The tendering process comes as Brussels Airport looks to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly changing aviation industry.
While the airport’s passenger numbers have not yet reached the 24 million threshold, the expansion of services and infrastructure projects planned for the coming years may drive future growth.
Brussels Airport has stressed the importance of efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in its new handling partnerships, aligning with its broader goals of modernizing the airport’s operations and improving service delivery.
With a strong track record in facilitating millions of passengers and tons of cargo annually, the airport remains a key hub in Europe, and the next round of service contracts will play a crucial role in shaping its future.
