Home » AIRLINE NEWS » UK Faces Major Connectivity Blow As Brussels Airlines Abandons Birmingham-Brussels Link, Severing Direct Access To The Heart Of The EU
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The United Kingdom is set to lose a critical international air link as Brussels Airlines announces the termination of its only direct service between Birmingham and Belgium’s capital beginning October 2025. This decision removes the sole nonstop route connecting the West Midlands to Brussels, a key destination for business, diplomacy, and EU affairs. With no direct flights remaining, UK passengers will now face extended travel times through connecting hubs, marking a setback in the country’s regional and European air connectivity.
Brussels Airlines to Discontinue Direct Birmingham-Brussels Route in October 2025
Brussels Airlines has announced it will permanently suspend its direct flight connection between Birmingham, United Kingdom, and Brussels, Belgium, later this year. This decision ends what was previously the only non-stop route linking the Belgian capital to the UK’s second-largest city.
The airline had been operating the Birmingham-Brussels route six times per week, providing a convenient 70-minute journey for travelers between the two cities. However, the service is set to be discontinued in October 2025, and will no longer be part of the airline’s official Winter 2025/26 or Summer 2026 flight schedules.
This development comes less than one year after Brussels Airlines reinstated the route in October 2024 following an earlier suspension. The reintroduction had briefly restored direct connectivity for both leisure and business passengers, but the route’s removal now leaves travelers with limited options for flying between the two cities.
With the upcoming cancellation, passengers departing from Birmingham who wish to reach Brussels will now need to travel via a connecting flight, potentially extending travel time significantly. One of the more efficient alternatives includes connecting via Munich, which will serve as a transit hub to reach the Belgian capital.
UK-Belgium Travel Trends and Tourism Statistics
Travel links between the United Kingdom and Belgium remain important, supported by consistent visitor numbers and two-way tourism demand. According to official data, the UK welcomed approximately 867,000 visitors from Belgium in 2023. These travelers spent an average of £555 per visit during their stay, contributing to the local tourism economy.
On the other hand, British tourism to Belgium also continues to be robust. Around 820,000 UK residents travel to Brussels each year. These visitors are often attracted by the city’s UNESCO World Heritage architecture, historic buildings, and culinary offerings.
Top attractions in Brussels include the Grand Place, the central square surrounded by ornate guild halls, and the Maison du Roi, which houses the Museum of the City of Brussels. Tourists are also drawn to Belgian cuisine, including dishes such as moules-frites (mussels served with fries), traditional waffles, and handcrafted chocolates.
Brussels also functions as a central location for European institutions and international business, making it a strategic destination not just for holidaymakers, but for professional travelers as well. The loss of a direct link from Birmingham is expected to impact both sectors.
Alternative Travel to Belgium from the UK
For travelers looking for alternative ways to reach Belgium, the city of Bruges has emerged as a top destination accessible by train. In 2024, Bruges was ranked by Which?, a UK-based consumer organization, as the most recommended Belgian city for UK travelers to visit by train. The journey from London to Bruges takes around three and a half hours and involves a connection in Brussels via the Eurostar and intercity rail services.
Bruges is known for its medieval city center, canals, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture, making it a popular choice for tourists seeking cultural and historical experiences. While the loss of a direct Birmingham-Brussels flight may cause inconvenience for some, destinations like Bruges offer viable alternatives for British travelers looking to explore Belgium.
Brussels Airlines Expands Summer 2025 Operations
Despite the suspension of the Birmingham route, Brussels Airlines is moving forward with broader expansion plans ahead of the upcoming summer season. The airline has confirmed it will increase its operating fleet to 50 aircraft in Summer 2025, up from 44 aircraft in Summer 2024.
Brussels Airlines expects to serve close to two million passengers during the upcoming holiday period. The carrier continues to prioritize leisure-focused routes across southern Europe, with Spain, Greece, and Italy remaining key destinations in its network.
Within Spain, the airline serves 12 cities. Malaga, Barcelona, and Alicante are among the most frequented destinations for travelers departing from Belgium. These routes are supported by growing demand from holidaymakers seeking sun-soaked coastal locations.
The airline has also observed strong passenger volumes to Greece and Italy, two destinations that continue to attract European travelers during peak summer months. These developments reflect the carrier’s focus on adapting its network to meet demand patterns and seasonal travel preferences.
The upcoming cancellation of the Birmingham-Brussels route marks a shift in Brussels Airlines’ route strategy, emphasizing consolidated operations and reallocation of capacity to higher-demand leisure routes. While the suspension will affect passengers in Birmingham who previously benefited from direct access to Brussels, alternative options—such as connecting flights and rail travel—remain available.
The United Kingdom will lose its only direct air connection between Birmingham and Belgium’s capital as Brussels Airlines ends the route in October 2025, cutting a vital link to the EU’s political center.
At the same time, Brussels Airlines continues to position itself for operational growth in other areas, increasing its fleet and maintaining strong connectivity to destinations across southern Europe. The airline’s decision to streamline its services reflects an evolving landscape in European air travel, shaped by changing traveler behavior, operational considerations, and regional demand.
