How a former military landing strip became a major hub for European low-cost travel
In short: Brussels South Charleroi Airport began as a modest flight school in 1919 and served as an Allied landing ground during World War II. Today, it stands as Belgium's second-busiest airport, having transformed from a quiet site for private aviation into a critical gateway for millions of international passengers annually.
The site in Gosselies, located 46 km south of Brussels, has a long history of aeronautical activity. Following its use as an Advanced Landing Ground for Allied forces between September 1944 and August 1945, the airfield transitioned to public use. For decades, it focused on industrial maintenance and construction, hosting companies like Fairey Aviation, SABCA, and SONACA. By the 1970s, however, the airport saw very little passenger traffic, serving mostly as a base for training flights and occasional charters.
A major shift occurred in the 1990s when the Walloon regional government took over management from the Belgian State. The creation of the Brussels South Charleroi Airport company in 1991 paved the way for commercial expansion. The arrival of Ryanair in 1997 marked a turning point, establishing the airport as a primary hub for low-cost carriers. This growth was not without controversy; the European Commission scrutinized subsidies provided to the airline, leading to complex legal battles over state aid that spanned over a decade.
Infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this rapid growth. A new terminal opened in 2008, reaching its 5-million-passenger capacity by 2010. To accommodate increasing demand, a second terminal was added in 2017, and the runway was extended to 3,200 meters by 2021. Despite these upgrades, the airport remains a site of intense activity, serving over 10.5 million passengers in 2024. Future plans include a complete two-month closure in 2028 for runway refurbishment, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining a high-traffic facility that started as a simple grass field.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Brussels South Charleroi Airport
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