If you DO need to collect luggage and check in again, 2 hrs is barely enough to do it, even if you are going to a Schengen country as well as coming from one (i.e. re-entering Pier A). This because it could take 30 minutes for your luggage to be delivered, after which you would have to go straight to the check-in desk.

A 2-hour layover at Brussels Airport (BRU) is generally considered a comfortable and sufficient amount of time for most connections, provided you are on a single ticket. Brussels is a relatively compact and efficient hub compared to massive airports like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle. If you are connecting between two Schengen countries (e.g., Madrid to Berlin), you can often walk straight to your next gate without needing to clear security or passport control again. However, if you are arriving from a non-Schengen country (like the US or UK) and connecting to a Schengen destination, you must pass through passport control and a security screening. Even with these hurdles, the official "Minimum Connection Time" at BRU is typically around 70 minutes, meaning a 2-hour window gives you a healthy 50-minute buffer for potential flight delays or long walks between the A and B piers. In 2026, the airport continues to feature excellent signage and a smooth flow, but if your layover involves a "self-transfer" (separate tickets) or reclaiming checked bags, 2 hours would be extremely risky and is not recommended.