Published on
December 13, 2025

TUI fly Belgium is set to significantly scale back its summer 2026 operations at Antwerp’s Deurne Airport. The airline will operate only one aircraft from the airport during the peak travel season. This adjustment effectively extends its limited winter programme into the summer months. As a result, outbound leisure travel options from Antwerp will be more restricted than in previous summers. The changes will directly affect tourists relying on Deurne Airport for seasonal holiday travel.

The aircraft scheduled to operate from Antwerp in summer 2026 will be an Embraer E195-E2. With only one aircraft deployed, the airline’s ability to serve multiple leisure routes from the airport will be constrained. This reduced deployment reflects a strategic shift in capacity planning for the upcoming summer season. Travel choices from Antwerp will therefore remain limited throughout the busiest travel period of the year.

Leisure Routes Removed From the Summer Schedule

Several established leisure routes will not operate from Antwerp during summer 2026. Flights to Ibiza have been removed from the airport’s summer programme. Services to Antalya will also not be available from Deurne. In addition, routes to Crete will be discontinued for the season. These changes reduce direct access to several popular holiday destinations from the regional airport.

Only four destinations will remain available for summer travel from Antwerp. Flights will continue to operate to Tenerife, Malaga, Alicante, and Mallorca. These routes have shown consistent performance in recent periods. Demand on these services has been supported by travelers with second homes in these destinations. The retained routes are therefore aligned with steady travel patterns rather than seasonal experimentation.

The reduced destination offering narrows options for tourists departing from Antwerp. Travelers seeking destinations no longer served may need to consider alternative departure points. This shift reshapes the summer leisure landscape for the airport and its surrounding region.

Implications for Tourists and Summer Travel Planning

Tourists using Antwerp Airport will experience fewer direct flight options during summer 2026. Travel planning may become more structured due to the limited destination list. Some leisure travelers may adjust their departure airport preferences as a result. Regional airports often play an important role in providing convenient access to holiday travel. Changes in route availability can influence travel behavior among local passengers.

Summer tourism typically relies on a broad range of destinations. When route options narrow, flexibility for travelers is reduced. This can affect how and where holidays are planned. For many tourists, direct flights remain a key factor in choosing departure airports. Reduced connectivity can therefore shift travel demand patterns within the region.

Tourism Demand and Seasonal Aviation Patterns

Tourism-focused aviation is strongly influenced by seasonal demand. Airlines frequently adjust capacity between winter and summer periods. These decisions are often based on past performance and expected booking trends. Summer schedules usually reflect higher leisure demand. However, capacity constraints can limit expansion even during peak seasons.

Regional airports are particularly sensitive to such adjustments. Limited aircraft availability can restrict route diversity. Tourism flows often respond quickly to changes in air connectivity. As a result, seasonal schedules play a central role in shaping passenger volumes. Consistent demand remains a key factor in sustaining routes over time.

Capacity Reallocation Toward Brussels Airport

Part of the reduced activity at Antwerp is linked to capacity reallocation within the airline’s network. Brussels Airport is receiving a greater share of summer capacity. Demand for destinations such as Ibiza and Crete is stronger from Brussels. This demand supports higher passenger volumes and more competitive pricing. The proximity of Antwerp and Brussels influences how capacity is distributed.

Both airports serve overlapping travel markets. Larger airports often provide scale advantages for leisure routes. Consolidating capacity at Brussels allows the airline to focus on markets with stronger demand. This approach reflects broader trends in network optimization. Travel demand is often concentrated where connectivity and pricing conditions are most favorable.

Commercial Considerations Behind the Decision

The summer 2026 schedule adjustment is driven by commercial priorities. Profitability has been identified as a central factor in route planning. Operating with a single aircraft limits operational flexibility. Airlines must balance regional presence with financial performance. Route decisions are therefore shaped by revenue potential and demand consistency.

Operating costs, aircraft utilization, and passenger demand all influence scheduling decisions. Concentrating capacity where returns are stronger is a common strategy. This approach allows airlines to maintain financial stability while serving core travel markets. Regional operations are often adjusted when performance does not meet expectations.

Passenger Trends at Antwerp’s Deurne Airport

Antwerp Airport experienced a notable decline in passenger traffic in 2024. Passenger numbers fell by 20 percent compared with the previous year. This decline highlights the sensitivity of regional airports to capacity changes. Reduced aircraft deployment can quickly affect overall passenger volumes. Tourism traffic represents a significant portion of Deurne’s activity.

The limited summer 2026 programme is expected to continue pressuring passenger figures. Fewer routes generally translate into fewer departing tourists. Airport performance is closely tied to airline network decisions. Sustained reductions in capacity can influence long-term traffic trends.

Summer 2026 Travel Outlook From Antwerp

Summer travel from Antwerp in 2026 will be characterized by a narrow leisure offering. The airport will rely on a small number of established routes. These services will continue to cater to consistent travel demand. However, overall choice for tourists will remain limited. The summer programme emphasizes stability rather than expansion.

For travelers, the changes underline the importance of route availability in holiday planning. Regional travel markets remain closely linked to airline strategy. Tourism connectivity from Antwerp will persist, but on a reduced scale. The summer season will therefore reflect a more constrained travel environment.

Image Source: AI