Key facts
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport will suspend all flight operations for 11 weeks in the second half of 2028.
- The closure is to allow for major reconstruction of the runway and other infrastructure upgrades.
- The works are scheduled to take place from August 15 to October 31, 2028.
- The project is expected to cost approximately €50 million.
- The closure could affect more than 2 million passengers.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, Belgium's second-busiest, will halt all flight operations for 11 weeks in the latter half of 2028 to undergo a significant runway reconstruction and infrastructure modernization. The closure, scheduled from August 15 to October 31, 2028, is intended to ensure the airport's long-term safety and operational performance.
The refurbishment of the runway, which has an estimated lifespan of 25 years, and other modernization works will be carried out simultaneously to minimize the overall disruption duration. The project is estimated to cost around €50 million. Based on 2025 figures, the 11-week closure could impact over 2 million passengers.
Trade unions have voiced concerns about the potential impact on employment and have called for dialogue with airport management and coordination with the Walloon regional government to ensure airlines return and staff are supported. The Walloon minister responsible for airports has stated that preparations for the project have been ongoing for many months.
This closure comes amidst other challenges for the airport, including Ryanair's recent announcement to reduce its capacity at Charleroi by removing five aircraft and cutting 2 million seats from its Belgian network due to an increase in the country's boarding tax.