Is Brussel airport big?

With approximately 26 million passengers a year, Brussels Airport is Belgium's largest airport. Located about 12 kilometres northeast of the capital Brussels, the airport is easily accessible by train, bus, car and bike. Brussels Airport has one terminal and three concourses; with the following gates: A, B and T.



Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Zaventem, is the largest airport in Belgium and is considered a medium-to-large European hub. In 2025, the airport handled over 24 million passengers, placing it among the top 30 busiest airports in Europe. It covers approximately 1,245 hectares (over 3,000 acres) and features three main runways arranged in a triangle. Despite its size, the airport is surprisingly easy to navigate because it operates with a single-terminal design. This terminal is divided into two main piers: Pier A (for Schengen flights) and Pier B (for non-Schengen flights). While it is not a "mega-hub" like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle, it serves as a major base for Brussels Airlines and TUI fly Belgium and hosts around 260 different companies. For travelers in 2026, BRU is praised for its efficiency and its excellent rail link that connects the airport to the Brussels city center in just 17 minutes.

People Also Ask

Brussels airport is not that big - by the time you've exited the plane and walked through the terminal and arrive at bagage claim, your luggage will normally arrive quickly... I would say 30 min.

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It's very easy to get around. Only, when you are flying from Brussels to most other European cities, there is a very long walk from check-in to the gate.

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The minimum transit time for Brussels Airport is 55 minutes. Brussels Airport is a small but efficient airport.

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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.

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Belgium Transit Visa Requirements
  1. Visa application form. You need to print the application form, fill in all the required information, and sign it.
  2. Two pictures. ...
  3. Valid passport. ...
  4. Proof of your final destination. ...
  5. Travel insurance. ...
  6. Proof that you have paid your transit visa fee.


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Brussels Airport is an easy airport for connecting flights. There is only one terminal with three distinct zones: Gates A for Schengen flights. Gates B for non-Schengen flights.

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Brussels Airport is to the north-east of Brussels. The airport area is on the territory of Zaventem, Machelen, Steenokkerzeel and Korteberg and covers 1,245 hectares.

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What is the recommended layover time for international flights? For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection. If your connecting flight leaves from a notoriously busy airport, it may be necessary to arrange a layover that's at least three hours long.

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What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

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