The Board of Directors of Brussels Airport have given the go-ahead for a separate, dedicated low-cost terminal at Brussels Airport. The project includes the reopening of part of the old passenger terminal, and the addition of a new, modularly extendable low-cost pier that in a first phase will accommodate six aircraft at a time, extendable to 15 in the future.

The project fits in with the general strategy of Brussels Airport that focuses on the development of four major segments of passenger traffic: full-service flights within Europe, leisure/charter flights, long-haul flights and low cost.

Wilfried Van Assche, CEO of Brussels Airport explains: “Low Cost is the fastest-growing segment in intra-European air traffic. It is expected that by 2015 low cost will account for half of the traffic within Europe. Low-cost carriers are increasingly opting for large international airports, on the condition that they can use facilities tailored to their specific needs. Today three percent of the flights to and from Brussels Airport are operated by low-cost carriers, whereas the low-cost share at comparable large European airports is over 10 percent. Over the next few years we intend to increase their share at Brussels Airport to a comparable level. We are aiming for 4 million passengers.

“By meeting this growing demand from the sector, we safeguard the development of our airport in the coming years, without compromising the full-service offer for which we enjoy an excellent reputation both in Europe and around the world. With this new development Brussels Airport will also occupy a top-rank position in Europe in the low-cost market segment. We estimate that – in time – the growth generated by this investment will create an additional employment of about 9,000 persons, including 3,000 direct jobs at the airport.”

The new low-cost facilities will meet the specific needs of the low-cost carriers, allowing them to increase efficiency by faster turn-around times and a more efficient use of staff and equipment. We aim at turn-around times of less than 30 minutes. Only direct flights without transfers will be handled to eliminate the need for an automated baggage sorting system. Business or first class, and any related services such as lounges and fast lanes, have no part in this concept. For the traveller this investment will bring a larger choice of new low-fare destinations and airlines.

The entire transit area of the old passenger terminal will be rebuilt into a bright, open, dynamic waiting area where travellers will find an attractive and tailored selection of airport shops, restaurants and bars while waiting to board their flight.

The project phase of this new investment is as good as completed, and the preliminary Works in the existing terminal will start in the next few days. Brussels Airport will start building the new pier at the end of the summer and expects that the new low-cost terminal and pier will be ready for use in April 2009.