Airports of Belgium
Belgium is tiny — like, really tiny — but it punches well above its weight when it comes to air connections. There are 6 commercial airports in total, and the network is heavily concentrated around Brussels, where two major international hubs sit within striking distance of each other. That's a bit unusual, honestly. Most countries that small would lean on one dominant airport and call it a day. The rest of the country is served by a handful of smaller operations, but make no mistake — Brussels is where the action is.
The shape of Belgium's aviation network
Here's what makes Belgium genuinely interesting from an aviation standpoint: you've got two massive hubs competing for essentially the same catchment area. BRU pulls 183 non-stop destinations, which is seriously impressive for a country with fewer people than London. But Brussels South Charleroi Airport runs 132 routes of its own — that's not a minor regional airport, that's a legitimate rival. The split tends to follow a familiar pattern: BRU attracts full-service carriers and long-haul routes, while Charleroi is low-cost central. What that means for you as a traveller is real choice and real price competition. I've used both, and the difference in fares can be dramatic for the same destination.
Airport tiers in Belgium
Major international hubs (2)
- BRU Brussels — 183 destinations
- CRL Brussels — 132 destinations
Regional airports (1)
- OST Ostend — 13 destinations
Minor airfields (3)
- ANR Antwerp — 5 destinations
- LGG Liege — 2 destinations
- ZYR Brussels — 0 destinations
Tips for using Belgium's airports
Flying into Brussels for city sightseeing or onward train connections? BRU is your pick — it's well connected to the city centre and the wider Belgian rail network. Budget trip or short European hop? Check Charleroi first, the savings can be major. Heading to the coast, Ostend's OST serves 13 destinations and is worth a look if you're based in West Flanders. The smaller airfields like Deurne near Antwerp handle just a handful of routes, so don't count on them for flexibility. Always double-check which Brussels airport your flight actually uses — they're not interchangeable and the transfer between them takes time.
Frequently asked questions
How many commercial airports are in Belgium?
Belgium has 6 commercial airports serving the country. Among these, 2 are major international hubs that handle the majority of international traffic.
What is the biggest and busiest airport in Belgium?
Brussels Airport (BRU) is Belgium's largest and busiest airport, serving as the primary international hub for the country. It handles the vast majority of Belgium's international flights and is located near the capital city.
Can I fly internationally from Belgium's regional airports?
Yes, Belgium's regional airports do offer some international flights in addition to the two major hubs. However, Brussels Airport and the other major international hub offer significantly more international route options and frequency.
How far apart are Belgium's main airports?
Belgium's main airports are relatively close to each other given the country's small size, though specific transit times vary depending on which airports you're comparing and your mode of transportation. Ground transportation options like trains, buses, and rental cars connect the major airports.
Which airport should I fly to when visiting Belgium?
For most visitors, Brussels Airport (BRU) is the best choice due to its extensive international connections, proximity to Brussels, and excellent ground transportation links. However, if you're visiting other regions of Belgium, one of the regional airports may be more convenient depending on your final destination.