Published on
October 18, 2025
Brussels Airport has unveiled new flight routes to Sweden, China, and Morocco this autumn, anticipating a significant boost in passenger traffic. With an expected 1.2 million passengers travelling through the airport, this expansion highlights the growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The new routes are set to cater to a diverse range of travellers, from those seeking cultural experiences in Sweden to business executives flying to China, as well as tourists heading to Morocco’s scenic landscapes and rich heritage. By strategically opening these connections, Brussels Airport is not only enhancing its international appeal but also strengthening its position as a major hub in Europe.
Brussels Airport has announced its exciting winter schedule for the upcoming season, featuring a range of new destinations and an expanded network for both leisure and business travellers. The airport will now offer a total of 135 direct routes, including two brand-new destinations: Sälen in Sweden and Chongqing in China. In addition, Smartwings, a Czech airline, will begin operating direct flights to Prague, further enhancing the airport’s European connections.
This winter, Brussels Airport is anticipating a significant increase in passenger traffic, with more than 1.2 million passengers expected to travel during the autumn and winter holiday periods. The anticipated influx of passengers highlights the airport’s continuing role as a vital hub for both short-haul and long-haul travel in Europe. With the winter season fast approaching, the airport is well-prepared to accommodate travellers heading to both snowy ski resorts and sunny beach destinations.
New Routes and Expanding Asian Connections
One of the most notable additions to Brussels Airport’s winter schedule is the launch of direct flights to Chongqing, China. Starting on 22 November, Hainan Airlines will operate three weekly flights to Chongqing, a major economic centre and gateway to the Sichuan region. The flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing passengers with convenient access to China’s southwest. This new route adds to the growing list of destinations in Asia, bringing the total number of direct Asian flights from Brussels to eight, including popular cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific’s long-standing four weekly flights to Hong Kong, which were introduced in August, will continue through the winter season. These ongoing services are expected to remain a key draw for passengers seeking connections to Asia, particularly for business travellers and those transiting through Hong Kong to other parts of the continent.
Introducing Smartwings and Sustainable Aircraft
Brussels Airport is also welcoming Smartwings, a Czech carrier, which will operate direct flights to Prague starting 26 October. The airline will run 12 weekly flights, offering a convenient option for passengers looking to travel to the Czech capital. Smartwings will operate these flights using the Airbus A220, a modern aircraft designed to be quieter and more fuel-efficient than older models. This addition is expected to provide greater flexibility and comfort for passengers while reducing the environmental impact of air travel.
The introduction of Smartwings and the eco-friendly Airbus A220 aligns with Brussels Airport’s commitment to sustainability. The airport continues to make strides in promoting green travel, with airlines increasingly opting for aircraft that reduce CO₂ emissions and noise pollution, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Catering to Winter Sports Travellers
As winter approaches, Brussels Airport is preparing to serve the growing demand for winter sports holidays. Ski destinations have always been a popular choice for Brussels Airport passengers, and this winter, the airport is adding several new options to its winter sports programme. TUI fly will launch weekly flights to Sälen in Sweden, starting on 20 December, giving ski enthusiasts an exciting new destination in Scandinavia. Sälen, a popular ski resort in Sweden, will be directly accessible from Brussels Airport, allowing skiers to quickly reach the slopes.
In addition to Sälen, Brussels Airport will also offer flights to Innsbruck, Austria, starting 19 December. TUI fly will operate two weekly flights to Innsbruck, a renowned ski destination in the Austrian Alps. With these new routes, Brussels Airport aims to provide winter sports travellers with more options and flexibility when planning their ski holidays.
Year-Round Sunshine: Sun Destinations and Long-Haul Options
While winter sports remain a key focus, Brussels Airport also caters to those seeking sunshine during the colder months. Spain continues to be a popular destination for sun-seeking travellers, with flights to Alicante, Malaga, and Barcelona. These destinations offer year-round appeal, attracting both leisure tourists and business travellers looking for a winter getaway or meetings in the Mediterranean.
Long-haul connections remain an important part of the airport’s winter schedule, with flights to Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong continuing to serve as key transit hubs for passengers heading to Asia. Additionally, Transavia, a Dutch budget airline, is expanding its Moroccan network with three weekly flights to Agadir, set to launch on 3 November. Morocco remains a popular destination for both cultural tourism and beach holidays, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Busy Autumn Holidays and Projected Growth
Before the winter season officially begins, Brussels Airport is gearing up for a busy autumn holiday period. The airport expects to see a peak in passenger numbers during the mid-term break, which runs from October to early November. Friday, 17 October, marks the start of school holidays for French-speaking schools in Belgium, with around 78,000 passengers expected to travel. The following week, Friday, 24 October, will be the busiest day of the holiday period, as Dutch-speaking schools begin their break, bringing up to 82,000 passengers through the airport.
Brussels Airport is preparing for a smooth and efficient travel experience during this busy period, with increased staffing and enhanced services for passengers. In total, the airport expects to handle more than 1.2 million passengers during the autumn holidays, representing a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Brussels Airport is launching new flights to Sweden, China, and Morocco this autumn, expecting 1.2 million passengers. This expansion caters to growing demand for both business and leisure travel, enhancing the airport’s global connectivity.
With a robust winter schedule featuring new destinations, expanded services, and increased focus on sustainability, Brussels Airport is well-positioned to handle the growing demand for both leisure and business travel. From new routes to Chongqing and Sälen, to continued long-haul connections to Asia and an expanded winter sports offering, the airport is catering to a wide range of passenger needs. As the airport anticipates a busy autumn break, it continues to show resilience and growth, welcoming millions of passengers in the coming months.
