Travelers in 2024 will have a choice of 14 destinations, with the airport actively working to further expand the number of destinations.
Over the past year, Ostend-Bruges Airport welcomed 386,000 passengers, a 4.6% increase compared to 2022. In 2023, the airport also took significant steps in cargo transport, General Aviation, and innovation. “Amidst global challenges, we continue to prove the economic value our airport provides every day,” says CEO Eric Dumas.
In 2023, the airport welcomed 386,387 passengers, a slight increase of 4.6% compared to 2022. “We’ve had a successful period,” says CEO Eric Dumas. “In 2023, we reintroduced Antalya to our flight offerings, positively impacting passenger numbers. This year, we are reintroducing Egyptian destinations Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada to the flight schedule.”
Hub for humanitarian aid
Over the past year, the airport played a crucial role in facilitating flights with humanitarian aid. More than 20 humanitarian missions departed from Ostend to destinations such as Turkey, Libya, and Gaza. The airport demonstrates its commitment to international relief efforts and provides its facilities to quickly and efficiently respond to urgent humanitarian needs. These collaborations have further positioned the airport as a crucial hub for emergency aid worldwide.
General Aviation and innovation
The past year has seen significant progress in General Aviation (i.e., all non-scheduled commercial civilian aviation, ranging from business flights to recreational aviation). In 2022, twelve new hangars for General Aviation were inaugurated, with 75% of them sold or rented by the end of 2023. These facilities have not only strengthened existing activities but also attracted new players in the aviation sector. “In line with our focus on innovation, we have entered into a collaboration with Vives and Drone Dock, addressing the growing possibilities of drone technology and contributing to the offshore wind energy project of DIOL,” adds Eric Dumas.
Temporary closure between January 25 and March 27 for runway and taxiway renovation
From January 25 to March 27, the airport will be closed for renovation works on the runway and taxiway. This temporary closure allows LOM, the infrastructure manager of the airport, to improve the infrastructure and ensure the safety of all operations. The renovation of the runway and taxiway will particularly result in a significant reduction in noise and CO2 emissions for larger aircraft, as these planes will require less engine power. “From late March, we will be ready to welcome our passengers again and look forward to a successful continuation of our operations,” concludes Eric Dumas.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
