Antwerp Deurne Airport (ANR/EBAW): The Premier Regional Gateway to Flanders
Antwerp International Airport (ANR/EBAW) stands as the principal regional airport serving Antwerp, Flanders’ largest city and a global hub for the diamond trade and petrochemical industry. Situated a mere 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of the vibrant city center, ANR is renowned for its speed, efficiency, and ideal positioning for both business aviation and focused leisure travel.
The airport, historically established in the 1920s, has solidified its role as a fast-track alternative to larger hubs. In 2023, the airport welcomed 259,764 passengers, demonstrating strong recovery and aiming to surpass the pre-pandemic level of 300,000 passengers in 2024. Its compact nature and proximity to the urban core make it a favourite for private and executive jet movements, a segment that continues to see steady demand.
Terminal Facilities and Enhanced Passenger Experience
ANR operates with a single, streamlined, and highly functional passenger terminal, which allows for minimal processing times—a key advantage for business travelers and tourists alike.
Key Terminal Services:
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Dining and Shopping: A modern café and bar area offers light meals and refreshments. A small convenience shop is available for last-minute purchases.
- Accessibility: The facility is fully equipped to accommodate disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, ensuring a comfortable experience from check-in to boarding.
- Note: The terminal does not feature a duty-free store due to its focus on intra-Schengen and short-haul flights.
- Nearby Accommodation: Travelers can find convenient lodging options close to the airport, including the NH Collection Antwerp Centre and various other hotels in the immediate vicinity and the city center.
Airlines and Key Destinations from ANR
Antwerp Airport connects passengers to a growing network of European destinations, primarily catering to the popular Spanish holiday market and vital European cities. The airport supports approximately 15 direct routes during peak seasons.
Primary Airlines Operating at ANR:
- TUI fly Belgium: The largest carrier, operating the bulk of the holiday routes.
- SkyAlps: Offers key seasonal connections for winter sports and regional tourism.
- Luxair: Re-introduced essential business routes to the UK.
Popular Direct Destinations (Current and Seasonal):
| Destination Category | Cities (IATA Code) | Primary Operator(s) |
| Business/City | London City (LCY) | Luxair |
| Sun & Beach | Málaga (AGP), Alicante (ALC), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Ibiza (IBZ), Murcia (RMU) | TUI fly Belgium |
| Exotic/Long-haul Leisure | Tenerife South (TFS), Antalya (AYT), Heraklion/Crete (HER) | TUI fly Belgium |
| Winter Sports | Bolzano (BZO) | SkyAlps (Seasonal) |
Fast and Accessible Transportation Options
The airport’s proximity ensures a rapid transfer to Antwerp’s city center and surrounding areas, emphasizing quick access as a major convenience factor.
- Public Transport (De Lijn Bus): De Lijn buses (Lines 51, 52, and 53) provide a direct, frequent link to the city’s central area. The journey time is exceptionally fast, typically taking about 15 minutes for a low fare (e.g., approximately €3).
- Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available just outside the terminal entrance. A ride to the city center takes around 10-15 minutes, with an estimated cost between €15–€25, depending on traffic and the final destination.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar, maintain service desks at the airport, facilitating easy pick-up and drop-off for visitors exploring Flanders.
- Parking: The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking lots. A generous policy typically includes free parking for the first 30 minutes, ideal for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
Airport Overview and Strategic Outlook
Antwerp Airport serves a critical strategic function for the Flanders region. While its core passenger volume is handled by short-haul leisure flights, the airport remains vital for General and Business Aviation (GBA), which has seen strong sustained growth. The airport continues to focus on attracting niche carriers and maintaining its reputation for a stress-free, fast travel experience.
Despite facing intense scrutiny regarding its financial viability and the level of public subsidy received (€65 per traveler in some analyses), regional authorities have committed to substantial investments in its infrastructure for 2025 and 2026. This ongoing support underscores the regional government’s intent to secure ANR’s future as a key asset for economic mobility and regional access.
Contact and Operational Information
For official and operational inquiries, please use the following details:
- Official Name: Antwerp International Airport (Luchthaven Antwerpen)
- IATA Code: ANR
- ICAO Code: EBAW
- Address: Luchthavenlei z/n, B-2100 Antwerp, BELGIUM
- Phone: +32 (0)3 285 65 00
- Website: www.antwerp-airport.be