Brussels South Charleroi Airport

Brussels South Charleroi Airport
source
Name	Brussels South Charleroi Airport
IATA	CRL
ICAO	EBCI
Owner	Government of Wallonia
Operator	SOWAER
City-served	Charleroi, Brussels
Location	Gosselies, Charleroi
Elevation-f	614
Elevation-m	187
Coordinates	50, 27, 33, N...
Website	https://www.brussels-charleroi-airport.com/en
R1-number	07/25
R1-length-m	3,200
R1-length-f	10,499
R1-surface	Asphalt
Stat-year	2023
Stat1-header	Passengers
Stat1-data	8,224,411
Stat2-header	Aircraft movements
Stat2-data	55,000
Stat3-header	Cargo (tonnes)
Stat3-data	1,200

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is an international airport located in the town of Gosselies, part of the Charleroi municipality in the Walloon Region of Belgium. It is a major base for low-cost carriers, most notably Ryanair, and serves as a key secondary airport for the Brussels metropolitan area. The facility is owned by the Government of Wallonia and operated by the Société Wallonne des Aéroports.

History

The airfield's origins trace back to 1919 as a base for the Belgian Air Force, known as Bierset Air Base, playing a role during the Battle of Belgium in World War II. After the war, it transitioned to civilian use, with Sabena operating some flights before the airport's modern development began in the 1990s. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when Ryanair established a base, transforming the facility into a major European hub for budget air travel. Subsequent expansions, including a new terminal opened in 2008, were driven by the Government of Wallonia to accommodate rapid passenger growth.

Facilities

The airport features a single passenger terminal with 26 check-in desks and 16 gates, capable of handling over 8 million passengers annually. The runway, designated 07/25, is 3,200 meters long and equipped with an Instrument Landing System for all-weather operations. A dedicated cargo terminal supports freight operations for companies like FedEx Express and TNT Airways. Other amenities include a variety of retail shops, restaurants, and car rental services from firms such as Hertz and Avis.

Airlines and destinations

Ryanair is the dominant carrier, offering an extensive network of flights across Europe, including destinations like London, Dublin, Rome, and Warsaw. Other low-cost carriers operating seasonal or year-round services include Wizz Air and Air Corsica. The airport primarily serves point-to-point leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic, with a focus on destinations in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean Basin.

Statistics

Passenger traffic has grown significantly, from under 200,000 in 1997 to over 8.2 million in 2023, making it one of the busiest airports in Belgium. The vast majority of traffic is international, with Italy, Spain, and Morocco being top country markets. In 2023, the airport recorded approximately 55,000 aircraft movements. Cargo volume, handled by operators like TNT Airways, has remained a smaller but consistent part of operations.

Ground transportation

The airport is connected to Charleroi-Sud railway station and Brussels by regular TEC bus services, including the direct "Charleroi Airport Express" line. Several private shuttle companies, such as Flibco, provide direct coach links to Brussels and Charleroi. For private transport, the airport is accessible via the E420 highway, with extensive parking facilities managed by Indigo Group.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record with no fatal accidents involving commercial passenger flights. A notable incident occurred in May 2008 when a Ryanair Boeing 737 skidded off the runway in wet conditions; there were no serious injuries. Historical incidents are associated with its former military use, including wartime operations during the Battle of Belgium.

Category:Airports in Belgium Category:Buildings and structures in Charleroi Category:1991 establishments in Belgium