Exploring The Expansive Brussels Charleroi Airport

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, also known as Brussels-Charleroi Airport or Charleroi Airport, is an international airport located in Gosselies, a part of the city of Charleroi, Belgium. The airport is 46 km (28+1⁄2 mi) south of central Brussels and is the second busiest airport in Belgium in terms of passenger and aircraft movement. The airport has been flourishing thanks to popular low-cost airline companies and is quite small with very few shops.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is 46 km south of central Brussels

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, also informally called Brussels-Charleroi Airport or Charleroi Airport, is located 46 kilometres south of central Brussels. The airport is situated in Gosselies, a part of the city of Charleroi, Belgium. It is the second busiest airport in Belgium in terms of passenger traffic and aircraft movements, serving over eight million passengers annually.

The distance from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to the city centre is approximately 46 kilometres, or 34 miles (55 kilometres by road). This distance can be covered by various means of transportation, including taxi, private transfer, shuttle bus, or train. The fastest and most comfortable option is to take a taxi or private transfer, which takes around 55 minutes and costs approximately €90. Shuttle buses, such as those provided by Flibco, also take around 55 minutes and cost €18.55 to €19.95 per person.

Charleroi Airport is a popular choice for low-cost airlines and offers flights to a variety of destinations. It has two terminals, with the second one opening in January 2017 to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually. The runway has also been extended to a total length of 3,200 metres, enhancing the airport's capacity and functionality.

The airport has a rich history, with aeronautical activities in Gosselies dating back to 1919. Over the years, it has undergone significant developments and expansions, including the addition of new routes and the construction of new terminals. Brussels South Charleroi Airport continues to be a significant transportation hub for the region, providing convenient access to Brussels and the surrounding areas.

It is Belgium's second busiest airport, serving 8 million+ passengers annually

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, also known as Charleroi Airport, is Belgium's second busiest airport. Located in Gosselies, a part of the city of Charleroi, Belgium, the airport is 46 km (28.5 miles) south of central Brussels.

The airport is a popular base of operations for many low-cost airlines, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Jet4you. Charleroi Airport offers direct flights to 100 destinations, including Salerno – Amalfi Coast (Italy), Katowice (Poland), and Volos (Greece). The airport served 8,224,196 passengers in 2019, an increase from the previous year, which saw 5,195,372 passengers. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, only 1.3 million passengers flew out of Charleroi Airport in 2020, and 1.25 million passengers flew in.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers, a second terminal (Terminal 2) was opened in January 2017. This new terminal increased the airport's capacity to 10 million passengers annually. In May 2019, the airport also extended its runway to a total length of 3,200 meters, with the inauguration taking place on October 8, 2021.

Charleroi Airport is easily accessible from Brussels, with shuttle bus services running to the city centre in about an hour and a regular coach service to Brussels-Central railway station.

The airport is small, with few shops, quick security, and affordable parking

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA), also known as Charleroi Airport, is a small airport located in Gosselies, a part of the city of Charleroi, Belgium. It is about 55 kilometres (34 to 46 miles) from Brussels and is accessible by train, airport bus, shuttle, or car. The airport is small, with few shops, quick security, and affordable parking.

Charleroi Airport is known for being the preferred base of operations for most low-cost airlines. It is the second busiest airport in Belgium in terms of passenger traffic, serving 8,224,196 passengers in 2019 and welcoming approximately 8 million visitors annually. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 2 opening in 2017 to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.

Despite its small size, Charleroi Airport offers essential amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and shops, including a bureau de change, gift shop, and duty-free shop. The airport also provides parking options, with rates starting at €2 per half-hour and €3 per hour for the Express Car Park. However, some reviews mention issues with parking, such as crowded parking facilities and incidents of car break-ins.

In terms of transportation to and from the airport, Charleroi Airport is well-connected to Brussels and other Belgian cities. The airport offers convenient transport options, including shuttle bus services, such as Flibco, that run every 30 minutes to the Brussels-South railway station. Additionally, there are train connections available from Charleroi Train Station, and bus services like Bus Line A, that provide access to various destinations within Belgium.

While Charleroi Airport may not have the extensive facilities of a large airport, its compact size offers advantages such as quick navigation to gates and efficient security checks. However, some reviews mention issues with overcrowding, limited seating, and poor customer service. Overall, Charleroi Airport caters to travellers seeking convenient and affordable flight options, thanks to its low-cost carrier options and proximity to Brussels.

It is popular with low-cost airlines and offers flights to 100+ destinations

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, also known as Charleroi Airport, is a small airport located 34 miles (55 km) south of Brussels in Belgium. It is the second busiest airport in Belgium in terms of passenger and aircraft movement numbers, serving over 8 million visitors annually. The airport is a popular choice for low-cost airlines and their customers. This is due to its size, which makes it easy to navigate, with quick security processes, and the availability of direct flights to over 100 destinations.

Charleroi Airport has been serving as a base for low-cost airlines since the arrival of Irish airline Ryanair in 1997. Ryanair was soon joined by other low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air, Air Polonia, and Jet4you. Ryanair even opened its first continental base at Charleroi. The airport's second terminal, opened in 2017, was built to accommodate up to 10 million passengers per year.

The airport's small size is a key factor in its popularity with low-cost airlines and their passengers. With few shops, there are limited entertainment options, but it is difficult to get lost, and the gates are easily accessible. This convenience, coupled with affordable prices, makes Charleroi Airport attractive to budget-conscious travellers.

Charleroi Airport offers a range of direct flights to various destinations, including Bordeaux, Salerno – Amalfi Coast, Katowice, Volos, and Chișinău. The airport also provides shuttle services to nearby cities such as Luxembourg, Metz, Thionville, and Lille. Additionally, passengers can take a shuttle bus or private transfer to Brussels, located about an hour away.

Charleroi Airport's combination of efficient operations, convenient location, and extensive flight network makes it a preferred choice for low-cost airlines and travellers seeking economical travel options.

The airport has been criticised for poor infrastructure and maintenance

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA), also known as Brussels-Charleroi Airport or Charleroi Airport, is located in Gosselies, a part of the city of Charleroi, Belgium. The airport is approximately 46 km (28.5 miles) south of central Brussels and is the second busiest airport in Belgium in terms of passenger and aircraft movement.

The airport has also faced criticism for the subsidies paid by the Walloon government to attract airlines such as Ryanair, which opened new routes to the airport while also closing destinations like London-Stansted and Liverpool. Other low-cost carriers, including Wizz Air, have joined Ryanair in serving Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

In terms of infrastructure and maintenance, Charleroi Airport has been described as a typical small airport with very few shops and limited things to do. The airport's runway was extended in 2019 to a total length of 3,200 meters, with the inauguration taking place in October 2021. However, it is important to note that airports require regular maintenance to prevent deterioration, damage, and disruption. Common airport infrastructure maintenance problems include pavement quality, lighting and signage systems, drainage and erosion control, upkeep of buildings and facilities, and compliance with regulatory requirements. These issues can impact the safety, efficiency, and functionality of the airport.

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