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Belgium's leading low-cost gateway serving the Brussels region.
Opened
1919
Location
Charleroi, Belgium
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a major international airport located approximately 46 kilometres south of Brussels, near the city of Charleroi in the Walloon region of Belgium. Originally a military airfield, it has been transformed into a significant commercial airport serving tens of millions of passengers annually.
The airport is particularly well known as the primary European hub for Ryanair, which has operated a large base there since the early 2000s. This partnership helped drive rapid passenger growth and established Charleroi as a key node in Europe's low-cost aviation network.
Despite the 'Brussels' designation in its name, the airport serves travellers willing to use long-distance bus or train connections to reach the Belgian capital, making it a budget-friendly alternative to Brussels Airport at Zaventem.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal that has been progressively expanded to accommodate growing low-cost carrier traffic.
Getting to & from
TEC bus services and dedicated coach operators connect the airport to Charleroi city centre and Brussels, with journey times to Brussels typically around one hour.
Airlines here
Ryanair is the dominant carrier and uses Charleroi as its main European hub, while Wizz Air and other low-cost carriers also operate routes from the airport.
Notable facts
- ›Ryanair's largest hub in continental Europe is based at Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
- ›The airport handled over 8 million passengers in its peak years before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ›It was originally established as a military aerodrome during World War I.
- ›The airport's 'Brussels' branding led to a notable EU ruling in 2004 regarding state aid granted to Ryanair.
- ›It is located in the municipality of Gosselies, not directly in Charleroi city.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
