list of airports in Belgium

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:## Exploring the Airports of Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide

Belgium, a small but centrally located country in Western Europe, boasts a surprising number of airports serving a diverse range of travel needs. From large international hubs to smaller airfields catering to business and recreational aviation, understanding the Belgian airport landscape can significantly enhance your travel planning. This guide provides a complete overview of all the airports in Belgium, detailing their operations, destinations, and key features.

#ff6900 Belgium’s Air Travel Overview

Belgium’s strategic position makes it a crucial transit point within Europe. While Brussels Airport is the dominant player, handling the vast majority of international passenger traffic, other airports contribute significantly to regional connectivity and specialized air services. These airports collectively facilitate business travel, tourism, cargo operations, and general aviation across the nation. Knowing which airport best suits your needs can save you time, money, and travel hassle.

#ff6900 Major International Airports

Belgium has two main airports handling scheduled international flights. These are hubs for both passenger and cargo airlines.

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): Located in Zaventem, near Brussels, this is Belgium’s largest and busiest airport. Serving as a primary hub for Brussels Airlines and a significant base for cargo carriers, Brussels Airport connects to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Expect a wide array of shops, restaurants, and excellent transport links to the city center (train, bus, taxi).

  • Antwerp Airport (ANR): While smaller than Brussels, Antwerp Airport is actively growing and focuses on business aviation and regional passenger flights. It offers several scheduled routes primarily to leisure destinations and is often favoured by private jet travellers.

#ff6900 Regional and Smaller Airports

Beyond the major hubs, several regional airports provide essential services for domestic travel, general aviation, and specific industries.

  • Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL): Known for its focus on low-cost carriers, Charleroi serves as a significant gateway for budget travel within Europe. It’s located further from Brussels than Brussels Airport, but often provides cheaper flight options.

  • Liège Airport (LGG): Primarily a cargo airport, Liège Airport has experienced substantial growth in recent years, becoming one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs. However, it also accommodates some passenger flights, particularly for package holidays.

  • Ostend–Bruges International Airport (OST): Serving the coastal region, Ostend–Bruges handles both passenger and cargo flights. It’s beginning to foster more passenger services and is undergoing investment to expand that side of its business.

  • Kortrijk–Wevelgem International Airport (KJK): A smaller airport with a focus on general aviation, private flights, and some limited charter operations.

  • Deurne Airport (ANR – also serves Antwerp city): While often listed separately from Antwerp Airport, Deurne predominantly facilitates business and general aviation. (Note: Antwerp Airport officially encompasses both Deurne and the main facility).

#ff6900 A Detailed List of Belgian Airports

Here’s a comprehensive table detailing all the airports in Belgium:

Airport Name IATA Code ICAO Code Location Type of Airport Key Services
Brussels Airport BRU EBBR Zaventem, Brussels International, Hub Passenger, Cargo, Extensive Amenities
Charleroi Brussels South Airport CRL EBCI Charleroi International, Low-Cost Passenger (Low-Cost Carriers), Cargo
Antwerp Airport (Deurne) ANR EBOS Antwerp Regional, Business Aviation Passenger (Regional), Business Aviation, Cargo
Liège Airport LGG EBLG Liège Cargo, General Aviation Primarily Cargo, Some Passenger Services
Ostend–Bruges International Airport OST EBMO Ostend Regional, Cargo Passenger, Cargo, Maintenance
Kortrijk–Wevelgem International Airport KJK EBKK Kortrijk Regional, General Aviation General Aviation, Private Flights
Hasselt Airport HSN EBHN Hasselt General Aviation Private Flights, Helicopter Services
Sint-Truiden Airport TSR EBTS Sint-Truiden General Aviation Pilot Training, Private Flights
Temse Airport TSE EBST Temse General Aviation Private Flights, Aircraft Maintenance
Zoersel Airport – EBZZ Zoersel Ultralight/Gliding Ultralight & Gliding Activities
Spa-La Sauvenière Airport – EBSU Spa General Aviation Private Flights, Helicopter Services
Rochefort – Notre-Dame-du-Pré Airport – EBRF Rochefort Ultralight/Gliding Ultralight & Gliding Activities
Wellin Airport – EBWL Wellin Ultralight/Gliding Ultralight & Gliding Activities
Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve Airport – EBLN Ottignies General Aviation Private Flights, Landing Strip

#ff6900 Choosing the Right Airport

Selecting the appropriate airport depends on various factors:

  • Destination: Brussels Airport provides the widest range of international options.

  • Budget: Charleroi Airport typically offers more affordable flights.

  • Proximity: Consider the airport’s distance from your origin and final destination.

  • Type of Travel: Business travellers might prefer Antwerp or dedicated business aviation facilities.

  • Cargo Needs: Liège Airport excels as a European cargo hub.

#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Which is the busiest airport in Belgium?
    Brussels Airport (BRU) is by far the busiest in Belgium, handling the largest volume of passengers and cargo.

  2. What airlines fly to Charleroi Airport?
    Ryanair is the predominant airline operating from Charleroi Airport (CRL).

  3. Is Antwerp Airport easy to reach from Brussels?
    Yes, Antwerp Airport is roughly a 30-45 minute train ride from Brussels Central Station.

  4. What is Liège Airport mainly used for?
    Liège Airport (LGG) is primarily a cargo airport, serving as a crucial logistics hub.

  5. Are there many flights out of Kortrijk–Wevelgem International Airport?
    Kortrijk–Wevelgem (KJK) mainly serves general aviation and doesn’t have many scheduled passenger flights.

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