Brussels, Belgium — Brussels Airlines capped off the summer of 2025 with record-breaking traffic, as more than 1.9 million passengers flew with the carrier in July and August. The strong performance, driven by heightened travel demand and expanded capacity, marks a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.
The airline operated nearly 13,000 flights over the two-month period, underscoring its role as Belgium’s flagship carrier and a key player in European aviation. The growth was supported by the expansion of its Airbus A320neo fleet, with the company announcing plans to add five more aircraft by 2027.
Investments in Passenger Experience
Ahead of the peak travel season, Brussels Airlines undertook infrastructure improvements at Brussels Airport to handle the anticipated surge. The airline doubled the size of its bag drop area, a move that significantly reduced wait times for check-in and luggage handling even as passenger volumes climbed.
More than 170,000 bags were processed through self-service counters following online check-in during the summer months. On July 28 alone, a record 4,000 bags were handled through the automated system. The upgrades, the company said, have made the airport experience smoother for travelers while streamlining operations for staff.
Where Travelers Went
Spain remained the top destination for Belgian travelers, with Malaga and Barcelona leading the way. Italy and Portugal followed closely, with Rome, Lisbon, and Porto among the most popular cities.
Brussels Airlines also noted a shift in preferences, with growing demand for cooler destinations in northern Europe. Geneva, Berlin, and Copenhagen made their way into the airline’s top ten destinations this summer.
Peak Week and Festival Traffic
The airline’s busiest week ran from July 21 to July 27, when 235,000 passengers boarded more than 1,500 flights. The carrier achieved an 88% load factor during this stretch, reflecting both strong demand and efficient fleet utilization.
A major contributor to the surge was the world-renowned Tomorrowland music festival, which draws attendees from around the globe. Brussels Airlines traditionally plays a key role in transporting fans to Belgium for the event, and this year was no exception.
Challenges in the Skies
Despite the strong results, Brussels Airlines faced headwinds from industry-wide challenges. Punctuality was affected by external factors, particularly air traffic control strikes in France and Italy. The airline reported that ATC-related delays in France alone increased by 115% year-over-year in June, testing operational resilience during the peak travel season.
Even so, executives emphasized that the disruptions did not overshadow the company’s achievements.
Leadership’s View
“We’re incredibly proud of our successful summer,” said Filip Aerts, Chief Operating Officer at Brussels Airlines. “A huge thank you to our dedicated team who worked tirelessly to ensure our passengers enjoyed their holidays. We’re a healthy, growing company, and we’ll continue to evaluate and improve to maintain the trust of our customers.”
Looking Ahead
The airline plans to conduct a full review of its summer operations to identify opportunities for further growth and improvement. A continued focus on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency remains central to its strategy as it prepares for future peak seasons.
With additional aircraft on order and infrastructure investments already delivering results, Brussels Airlines is positioning itself to meet Europe’s evolving travel demand while strengthening its competitiveness in a crowded market.
