Brussels Airlines expects strong summer with boosted capacity

Nearly 2 million passengers expected throughout July and August

June 22, 2025

Brussels, June 22, 2025 – Brussels Airlines is ready for a busy summer holiday season. The airline will operate a fleet of 50 aircraft, compared to 44 aircraft in summer 2024. Nearly 2 million passengers are expected to travel with Brussels Airlines, and several initiatives are implemented to ensure a smooth holiday for everyone.

The summer holidays in Belgium are about to kick-off, and Brussels Airlines is ready to bring its passengers to their favourite holiday destinations. Spain remains unbeatable for Belgians going on holiday. Brussels Airlines serves no less than 12 Spanish destinations, with Malaga, Barcelona and Alicante as most popular ones for passengers traveling from Belgium. Also, Valencia sees a sharp increase in demand.

Next in line are Greece and Italy, both with 9 destinations. Brussels Airlines also notes a sharp increase in Belgian travellers Oporto (Portugal).

On the long-haul network, New York and Kinshasa are the most popular holiday destinations for Belgians, either to spend their summer holidays or to visit family and friends.

Extra aircraft

Brussels Airlines has grown its fleet significantly, compared to summer 2024. It added one Airbus 320 for short- and medium-haul routes and one Airbus 330 for long-haul routes to its own fleet. In addition, 4 Airbus A220 aircraft are deployed in the network via wet-lease partner Air Baltic, who operates flights on behalf of Brussels Airlines. This brings the total fleet during the summer to 50.

As seasonality remains a challenge in the aviation industry, Brussels Airlines has built a strategy to have the highest possible capacity in summer. In addition to the wet-lease capacity, Brussels Airlines works with summer students as cabin crew members for the very first time. 47 students were hired who went through the same selection process and rigorous training as all the other crew members.

Fully staffed

Since January 1, 2025, Brussels Airlines has already hired almost 300 new employees. Most of them (153) are cabin crew members, pilots (57) and airport employees (47). As Brussels Airlines is growing and expanding, new colleagues can embark on an exciting long-term career.

"While summer offers many a moment to pause and recharge, it’s also the season when our teams are at their busiest. Behind every smooth journey and holiday memory are colleagues who show up with dedication, care, and professionalism—day in and day out. I want to sincerely thank all Brussels Airlines employees for going the extra mile, ensuring our guests feel welcomed, safe, and valued every step of the way.”
- Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines

Randstad, a renowned HR service provider, conducted an extensive study in Belgium and named the aviation industry the most attractive industry to work in, and Brussels Airlines as most attractive employer in aviation. It makes the airline confident to attract even more highly talented employees in the future.

Everything set for a smooth journey

Brussels Airlines doubled the capacity of its bag drop area in the departure hall of Brussels Airport, allowing passengers who checked-in online to have their luggage handled in no-time. Together with all the partners, the airline has work tirelessly throughout the year to prepare for smooth summer operations.

To ensure a stress-free start of the holiday, Brussels Airlines also likes to share some advice to passengers:

Arrive at the airport on-time. During the busy summer season, the airport might be busier than usual. Allow yourself enough time to go through security and find the right gate.
At Brussels Airlines, you can check-in your hand luggage for free. That has many advantages: no limitations on liquids, no hassle to get your trolley through security and a smoother boarding process leading to an on-time departure.
Stay informed about your flight. Download the Brussels Airlines app (elected best airline app in the world) and make sure you register for Travel ID. The Brussels Airlines app will inform you during all phases of the journey, for example with gate changes, delays or even rebookings if necessary.
Check that you have all the right documents. The Belgian Federal Service of Foreign Affairs has a website where you can check travel advice and all the documents you need to enter a country. Make sure you have the right documentation with you when you arrive at the airport.