Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL/EBCI): Belgium’s Premier Low-Cost Gateway to Europe
Strategically located 49 km south of the Brussels city center, Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) stands as Belgium’s second-largest and primary hub for budget airlines. Known by its ICAO code EBCI, the airport has firmly established itself as a vital access point for travelers seeking affordable flights across Europe and North Africa. Highlighting its rapid expansion, CRL achieved a historic milestone in 2024 by welcoming a record 10.5 million passengers, a substantial increase from the 9.3 million passengers in the previous year. This consistent growth underscores its pivotal role in the European low-cost travel market.
Terminals, Facilities, and Seamless Passenger Experience
Brussels South Charleroi Airport operates with two modern terminals, T1 and T2, designed to efficiently handle high volumes of budget travelers. Terminal 2, which opened in 2017, features a contemporary design to enhance passenger flow.
Key Facilities & Services:
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout both terminals.
- Shopping & Dining: Travelers can enjoy a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops offering international brands and local Belgian treats.
- Business & Comfort: The airport offers a dedicated lounge area, providing a quiet space for relaxation or work before a flight.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive facilities, including baby care rooms and full disabled access, ensure a smooth journey for all passengers.
Future Enhancements: As part of its infrastructure development, the airport is planning the construction of a new, optimized security checkpoint to significantly reduce waiting times and improve overall efficiency, ensuring a smoother start to your journey.
Airlines, Destinations, and Unrivalled Network Growth
CRL is a European low-cost powerhouse, offering a vast network of over 190 destinations primarily focused on leisure and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) traffic.
Major Operating Airlines (The Low-Cost Core):
- Ryanair (The dominant carrier with an extensive network of routes).
- Wizz Air (Connecting Charleroi to Central and Eastern European cities).
- TUI fly Belgium (Offering holiday packages and seasonal destinations).
- Pegasus Airlines (Providing direct links to Turkey).
- Air Corsica, Volotea, and Air Arabia (Offering regional and North African connectivity).
Key Destinations: The flight map heavily features popular destinations in Spain (e.g., Barcelona, Madrid), Italy (e.g., Rome, Milan), and Eastern Europe (e.g., Budapest, Warsaw). Furthermore, the airport is a crucial gateway to North Africa, with numerous routes to Morocco and Tunisia.
Transportation: Getting to Brussels and Beyond
Connecting from CRL to Brussels and other major cities is straightforward, thanks to multiple efficient transport options.
- Bus to Brussels (Most Popular): The dedicated Flibco shuttle buses provide a direct link to Brussels Midi/South Station (Gare du Midi) in approximately 55 minutes. This service is highly popular for its competitive pricing, with tickets starting around €17.
- Bus to Charleroi City/Train: A local bus service connects the airport directly to the Charleroi-Sud train station in about 20 minutes, costing approximately €6. From Charleroi-Sud, travelers can access the national rail network (SNCB) for onward travel throughout Belgium, including the capital.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A journey to the Brussels city center typically takes around 45 minutes but can cost between €80-€100.
- Car Rental & Parking: Major international car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise, have desks on-site. The airport offers extensive, cost-effective parking options across its P1, P2, and P3 car parks, catering to both short and long stays.
Strategic Outlook and Environmental Responsibility
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is focused on sustainable, long-term development. Following the renewal of its environmental permit by the Walloon Government, the airport is set to continue its growth path for the next two decades.
- Long-Term Growth: The new permit ensures operational continuity until 2045, allowing for strategic expansion while adhering to a maximum cap of 86,724 commercial flights per year.
- Infrastructure Investment: Planned developments include upgrading the control zone and the baggage reclaim area to accommodate rising passenger volumes, alongside planned improvements to road access surrounding the airport.
- Sustainability: A core part of the strategy involves reducing its environmental footprint. The airport actively promotes the use of quieter, next-generation aircraft fleets by its partner airlines and implements measures to reduce noise pollution, affirming its commitment to rational and responsible growth.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Building S11B/S7, B-6041 Charleroi, BELGIUM |
| Phone | +32 (0)71 251211 |
| Official Website | www.charleroi-airport.com |