Brussels, Belgium — Brussels Airport announced a significant milestone in a statement released on Friday, reporting the highest number of monthly passengers in July since 2019.
This surge in travelers underscores a robust rebound in air travel as the world continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact on global mobility.
In July, approximately 2.5 million passengers passed through Brussels Airport, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This upturn is primarily attributed to the start of the summer holiday season, which traditionally drives a higher volume of travelers. This year, the trend was particularly pronounced, with a noticeable imbalance favoring departing passengers over arrivals.
“July has always been a peak travel month, but this year we saw an unprecedented rise in the number of passengers. It’s a clear sign that people are eager to travel again, making up for lost time during the pandemic,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.
The airport’s statement also highlighted that transfer passengers made up only 10% of the total number of travelers, suggesting that a majority of passengers used Brussels as either their starting point or final destination.
An intriguing metric shared by the airport was the average number of passengers per flight in July, which reached an all-time high of 152.
This figure represents an increase of two passengers per flight compared to July 2023. Such an increase is notable, reflecting heightened demand and efficient airline operations.
Over the course of the month, Brussels Airport recorded more than 19,000 flights, with a 3% rise in passenger flights compared to the previous year.
Popular destinations remained consistent with previous months, with Spain, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Germany leading the list. Other top destinations included Morocco, the United States, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom.
These destinations reflect a mix of leisure and business travel hotspots, indicating a diverse range of travel purposes among passengers.
The surge in passenger numbers is a positive indicator for the aviation industry, which has faced numerous challenges over the past few years.
The increase in traffic not only benefits airlines but also has a ripple effect on the broader economy, including tourism, hospitality, and related services.
Brussels Airport has implemented several measures to accommodate the increased passenger flow while ensuring safety and efficiency.
These measures include enhanced cleaning protocols, streamlined check-in and security processes, and the use of advanced technology to manage passenger movements and minimize congestion.
“Our priority remains the safety and comfort of our passengers. We have made significant investments in our infrastructure and services to handle this surge in demand effectively,” Feist added.
As the summer holiday season progresses, Brussels Airport expects to maintain high passenger volumes, with August likely continuing the trend.
The airport’s management remains optimistic about the future, anticipating sustained growth and a return to pre-pandemic levels of air travel in the near term.
The record numbers reported for July are not just a testament to the resilience of the aviation sector but also a hopeful sign of recovery and growth for Brussels Airport and the global travel industry at large.
