Brussels South Charleroi Airport (French: Aéroport de Charleroi Bruxelles Sud, Dutch: Luchthaven van Charleroi Brussel Zuid) (IATA: CRL, ICAO: EBCI) is the second largest international airport in Belgium, located 46 kilometers south of Brussels city center.
International connections primarily focus on European destinations, with the airport serving as a major hub for low-cost carriers. In 2012, the airport handled 6.5 million passengers. Growth continued steadily, and by 2019, passenger numbers reached a record 8.2 million. Despite the global aviation downturn in 2020, the airport has shown strong recovery in subsequent years.
The airport's history dates back to 1919 as a flight school location. Major developments occurred in the early 2000s when Ryanair established its first continental European base here. Today, the airport serves as a significant base for both Ryanair and Wizz Air, along with other low-cost carriers.
- Location: Gosselies, Belgium (46 km south of Brussels city center)
- IATA Code: CRL
- ICAO Code: EBCI
- Annual Passengers: 8.2 million (2019 pre-pandemic peak), 2.7 million (2020), 3.7 million (2021)
- Terminal: 1 main passenger terminal with 2 wings
- Major base for: Ryanair, Wizz Air, TUI fly Belgium, Air Belgium
- Destinations: Connects to 120+ destinations across Europe (primary focus), North Africa, Middle East
- Terminal Area: 30,000 square meters
- Parking Capacity: Over 7,000 spaces
- Runway Length: 2,550 meters
- Operating Hours: 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Employment: Approximately 3,000 direct jobs
- Terminal Facilities:ATMs, Currency exchange, Left luggage, First aid, Duty-free shops, Child care area, Restaurants and cafes, Tourist information, Hotel reservations
- 46-kilometer distance to Brussels city center
- Direct shuttle bus services to Brussels-Midi/Zuid station
- Good motorway connections (E19/A54)
- Taxi and private transfer services
- Car rental facilities
- Short and long-term parking options
The airport has undergone significant modernization in recent years, including terminal expansions and improved passenger facilities. The single terminal building is designed to handle up to 10 million passengers annually, supporting the airport's growth as a key regional transport hub.
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