Brussels Airport - Airport Guide - A Tour of Brussels Airport
1) Location
Brussels international airport is located 12kms to the northeast of Brussels in Belgium. The airport achieved the Best Airport in Europe award by Airports Council International based on a worldwide survey conducted with over 100,000 passengers. There is only one terminal building at Brussels Airport, which is made up of 2 piers, Pier A and Pier B. It is approximately 400 metres between the two piers. For more information, read the rest of this Brussels Airport Guide.
2) Size
This airport covers an area of 1245 hectares (3706 acres), it has 54 contact gates and a total of 109 gates. There are 3 runways the longest of which is 3638.1 metres in length.
3) History
The airport's origins go back to 1940 when German occupying forces laid claim to 1500 acres of land east of Brussels close to a Belgian military airfield. The Germans built the three runways that are still in use today. In 1944 after the liberation of Belgium the airfield fell into the hands of the British for a while but once handed back to Belgium the Belgian authorities decided to use the airfield as a civilian airport as the civilian airport at Haren became too small. The old wooden building at the airfield was replaced in 1948 by a new terminal building and the runways were extended. The new civil airport was officially opened in 1948.
4) Safety Record
On the 15th February 1961 there was a serious crash at the airport during the approach of a Boeing 707 killing all 72 passengers on board. On 5th May 2006 the Sebena Technics Hanger 40 caught fire and 4 aircraft where destroyed. On 25th May 2008 a Boeing 747 overran runway 20 and crashed into a field. The five people on board only received minor injuries.
5) Flights
Flights at Brussels International Airport are served by all the major airlines to 60 international destinations.
6) Hotels
There is a good selection of Brussels airport hotels located conveniently close to the airport which are useful for passengers who may have an early flight. The Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel is just opposite the airport terminal and there is a free shuttle bus to the other hotels. The hotels range in price and standard and there are some cheaper options for traveller on a budget.
7) Transport to and from airport
The airports train station is located below the terminal and there are 4 trains an hour connecting the airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central and Brussels Midi stations. There are also train services to the East, South and West of Belgium. The bus station is located on level 0, one floor down from the arrivals hall and there are buses to central Brussels and also to Antwerp and Amsterdam. There are metered taxis available from just outside the terminal and there are also many care hire options available at the airport.
8) Entertainment options.
A good way to while away the time is by browsing the various stores at the airport terminal. There are duty free shops at both of the 2 piers at the airport that sell electronics, watches, chocolates, liquor, cosmetics, Belgian beers amongst other goods. There are also some Belgian chocolate stores and a delicatessen selling fine European delicacies including smoked Scottish salmon, duck or goose foie gras as well as vintage or grand cru wines, champagnes and whiskey. There is a Belgian beer caf at Pier A where passengers can try the various famous Belgian Beers. Pier A also has a diamond and gold store selling 18kt gold fine jewellery set with Antwerp-cut diamonds and also individual Antwerp cut diamonds. There is also a fashion store selling high-end clothes and shoes. At Pier B there is an electronics store selling top brand electronics and a bar selling Belgian beers.
Brussels international airport is located 12kms to the northeast of Brussels in Belgium. The airport achieved the Best Airport in Europe award by Airports Council International based on a worldwide survey conducted with over 100,000 passengers. There is only one terminal building at Brussels Airport, which is made up of 2 piers, Pier A and Pier B. It is approximately 400 metres between the two piers. For more information, read the rest of this Brussels Airport Guide.
2) Size
This airport covers an area of 1245 hectares (3706 acres), it has 54 contact gates and a total of 109 gates. There are 3 runways the longest of which is 3638.1 metres in length.
3) History
The airport's origins go back to 1940 when German occupying forces laid claim to 1500 acres of land east of Brussels close to a Belgian military airfield. The Germans built the three runways that are still in use today. In 1944 after the liberation of Belgium the airfield fell into the hands of the British for a while but once handed back to Belgium the Belgian authorities decided to use the airfield as a civilian airport as the civilian airport at Haren became too small. The old wooden building at the airfield was replaced in 1948 by a new terminal building and the runways were extended. The new civil airport was officially opened in 1948.
4) Safety Record
On the 15th February 1961 there was a serious crash at the airport during the approach of a Boeing 707 killing all 72 passengers on board. On 5th May 2006 the Sebena Technics Hanger 40 caught fire and 4 aircraft where destroyed. On 25th May 2008 a Boeing 747 overran runway 20 and crashed into a field. The five people on board only received minor injuries.
5) Flights
Flights at Brussels International Airport are served by all the major airlines to 60 international destinations.
6) Hotels
There is a good selection of Brussels airport hotels located conveniently close to the airport which are useful for passengers who may have an early flight. The Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel is just opposite the airport terminal and there is a free shuttle bus to the other hotels. The hotels range in price and standard and there are some cheaper options for traveller on a budget.
7) Transport to and from airport
The airports train station is located below the terminal and there are 4 trains an hour connecting the airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central and Brussels Midi stations. There are also train services to the East, South and West of Belgium. The bus station is located on level 0, one floor down from the arrivals hall and there are buses to central Brussels and also to Antwerp and Amsterdam. There are metered taxis available from just outside the terminal and there are also many care hire options available at the airport.
8) Entertainment options.
A good way to while away the time is by browsing the various stores at the airport terminal. There are duty free shops at both of the 2 piers at the airport that sell electronics, watches, chocolates, liquor, cosmetics, Belgian beers amongst other goods. There are also some Belgian chocolate stores and a delicatessen selling fine European delicacies including smoked Scottish salmon, duck or goose foie gras as well as vintage or grand cru wines, champagnes and whiskey. There is a Belgian beer caf at Pier A where passengers can try the various famous Belgian Beers. Pier A also has a diamond and gold store selling 18kt gold fine jewellery set with Antwerp-cut diamonds and also individual Antwerp cut diamonds. There is also a fashion store selling high-end clothes and shoes. At Pier B there is an electronics store selling top brand electronics and a bar selling Belgian beers.
Source...