Streamlining Summer Experiences: Brussels Airport and Belgian Interior Minister Devise Strategies to Decrease Queue Durations
Preparing for Peak Seasons: Brussels Airport's Plan to Reduce Wait Times
Brussels Airport is gearing up for an unprecedented summer ahead, with an estimated 2 million passengers expected from Brussels Airlines alone and a staggering 5 million in total - that's a whopping 90,000 passengers passing through every day! To tackle the anticipated crowds and long waiting times, particularly at passport checks, authorities have some serious plans up their sleeves.
You've certainly seen those infamous images of long queues on social media, right? Well, the authorities have taken note of this issue, and a solution is in the works. The airport is about to install a sixth police cubicle for passport checks, and their aim is to have all six cubicles staffed during the busiest hours.
But it's not just an extra cubicle that's part of the plan. To tackle the surge in passengers during peak periods, additional staff will be deployed this summer. The boost in manpower promises to increase capacity by an impressive 30% on "orange days" and by a whopping 40% during the busiest days, cleverly dubbed "red" days.
However, it seems the airport will be shuffling its existing staff from one department to another to meet the immediate demand, rather than hiring new personnel. Discussing the move, Wald Thielemans, the director-general of the administrative police, argued that the redeployed staff would be spread thinly, minimizing the impact on sections left behind.
To combat the staff shortage, especially among airport police, the Belgian Interior ministry is collaborating with Brussels Airport to ensure an adequate workforce. The deployment of additional police staff during peak periods is a crucial move to efficiently manage the increasing passenger volume.
As the airport's director-general, Arnaud Feist, puts it, the police at the airport play a vital role in border control operations, making a smooth process essential for both passengers and staff. He adds that a seamless flow isn't just important for safety reasons, but it also helps Belgium maintain a positive travel and tourism industry image.
These announcements come on the heels of past delays and complaints from airport users, a situation the authorities are eager to avoid to sustain the growth trajectory identified by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The sector, forecast to contribute €38.9BN to Belgium's economy, is rapidly becoming one of the country's most powerful economic engines. With a 6.3% contribution to national GDP and over 385,500 jobs in 2025, the industry has undeniably gained significant importance[3].
In a nutshell:
- A sixth passport control cubicle will be added, and all six cubicles will be staffed during peak times to reduce waiting times.
- Extra airport police staff will be deployed during the busiest days, increasing capacity by 30-40%.
- Collaborating with the Belgian Interior ministry, Brussels Airport is making strategic moves to ensure a smooth experience for the anticipated record summer travel crowds[3].
Here's to a summer that runs like clockwork!
Eco-tourists considering a trip to Brussels this summer might appreciate the airport's efforts to streamline operations, as the additional staff and sixth passport control cubicle aim to promote a sustainable travel lifestyle, reducing potential delays and long queues for travelers. As Belgium strives to maintain its growing travel and tourism industry, especially with the sector's significant impact on the national economy, the airport's efficient border control measures could prove crucial in upholding a positive travel experience for both locals and tourists alike.
