Two airports in Belgium have seen passenger numbers rebound to almost pre-COVID levels. Ostend-Bruges and Antwerp airports, both in the Flemish Region of Belgium, have seen significant growth over the first half of this year.

The two airports expect a combined total of 150,000 passengers to travel over the next several months as customers look to regional and secondary airports to avoid congestion at major hubs.

Ostend sees over 100,000 passengers

Ostend-Bruges International Airport, commonly referred to as Ostend, welcomed over 100,000 passengers during the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 271% compared to the second quarter of 2021. The airport lies along the North Sea and serves the cities of Ostend (Oostende) and Bruge (Brugges), the capital of West Flanders and Unesco World Heritage site often referred to as Venice of the North for its network of canals.

Passenger numbers at the Flemish airport have been increasing steadily throughout the year. For April, May, and June this year, some 103,377 passengers traveled via Oostende. Airport CEO Eric Dumas highlighted the swift return of passengers and outlined summer expectations:

"That is an increase of 271% compared to the same period last year. When we look at 2019, we again reach 80% of the passenger numbers before corona. This is mainly due to the changed offer: some destinations in Tunisia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Egypt are not operated this year."

"Travellers clearly feel like travelling again. In July and August, we expect more than 40,000 passengers every month."

In total, the airport welcomed 156,493 passengers during the first half of this year. That is 380% more than in 2021 and 18.7% less than in the record year of 2019.

Cargo reigns at Ostend

Cargo traffic via Ostend-Bruges Airport has been steadily growing throughout the pandemic until this most recent quarter, with EgyptAir and Qatar Airways remaining the airport's largest cargo customers. The cargo segment grew by 150% since 2019 before dropping off in the second quarter by 21.8% compared to the same period last year.

Airport officials confirmed that the second quarter is always a quiet period in terms of cargo activities, and the 22,840 tons of cargo passing through the airport this year is still 78% above the 2019 level.

Antwerp sees strong passenger growth

Nearby Antwerp Airport also saw strong demand for passenger travel in the second quarter of this year. April, May, and June of this year saw 81,705 passengers travel via Antwerp. Down only 2.5% from the second quarter of 2019, before the corona crisis, when the airport saw 83,773 passengers.

The original Flybe served the airport from London Southend Airport, alongside a thrice-daily service with Air Antwerp from London City Aiport. Air Antwerp was forced to cease operations in 2021 as business travel ground to a halt. The airport currently has scheduled passenger service via TUI Fly Belgium to locations such as Mercia, Alicante, and Tangier.

The busiest month for the airport was June, which saw the highest number of enplanements since the start of the corona crisis. Airport CEO Eric Dumas predicts strong demand for the rest of the summer season as customers are traveling once again:

"For the first time, more than 30,000 passengers travelled via our airport in June. Our customers are clearly in the mood to travel again. Also in July and August, we expect more than 30,000 passengers each month."

In total, the airport welcomed 126,496 passengers during the first half of the year. The number is 224% more than in 2021 and only 4% shy of the airport's previous record in 2019.

Business and private flights see significant growth

Business and private aviation at Antwerp Airport are also on the rise. For the first half of this year, business and private flights grew by 45% compared to last year. The airport has seen an increasing number of not only business travelers but also families and larger groups of friends booking private flights.

The airport has long had a strong business draw due to its central and convenient location. Airport CEO Eric Dumas expects a continued strong demand as passengers look for more flexible departures and the convenience of a regional airport with little to no wait times.

"Thanks to the companies using private jets such as FlyingGroup, ASL Group and The Aviation Factory, business/private aviation in Antwerp is flourishing like never before. Together with these world-renowned companies, we are putting Antwerp on the map."

"Antwerp has always been an important business airport, and proves this once again with these wonderful growth figures."

Compared to the first six months of 2019, the airport recorded an 11.3% growth in private and business flights.