DELHI- Brussels Airport (BRU) is actively working towards restoring direct air connectivity between India and Belgium. Brussels Airport officials are engaging in discussions with Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E), the Hindu Business Line reported.
The airport’s representatives are currently in Delhi. A meeting is being held with executives from both airlines to pitch the viability and potential benefits of launching new direct flight operations between the two nations.
Photo: DnataBrussels Airport Eyes India Flights
The push for this new connection is part of a Belgian economic mission visiting India this week. It is led by Princess Astrid and includes federal ministers and business leaders. The objective of this mission is to strengthen economic relations and explore new trade and travel opportunities between the two countries.
Brussels Airport handled 23.6 million passengers and over 700,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024. Despite Belgium’s strong air connectivity with China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and various Middle Eastern hubs, India remains the largest unserved Asian market.
According to recent travel data, around 150,000 passengers flew between India and Belgium in 2024 using indirect routes. A direct connection could significantly increase this number by offering faster and more convenient travel options.
A Brussels Airport spokesperson emphasized the benefits of this potential air link, stating:
“A new direct flight would result in significant stimulation of traffic between both countries and further boost business, tourism, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic.”
Photo: Clément AlloingPast and Present Airline Operations
Historically, Jet Airways operated flights to Brussels, but in 2016, it moved its hub to Amsterdam. Later, Brussels Airlines resumed direct connectivity with India in 2017, only to suspend its Mumbai service in January 2019 due to commercial reasons.
One of the major challenges for Brussels Airport in attracting Indian airlines has been its limited onward flight connections to North America, compared to other European hubs like London Heathrow, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. This was one of the key reasons Jet Airways opted to relocate to Amsterdam, where it had better connectivity to the United States and Canada.
Since the suspension of flights from Mumbai in 2019, there have been no moves by any airline to restore or start flights to Belgium. In the meantime, the demand for non-stop flights have been increasing.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalBenefits for Air India and IndiGo
Brussels Airport officials believe that Air India could benefit from its strong ties with Lufthansa, which owns Brussels Airlines, and the Star Alliance membership. The airport sees an opportunity for Air India to expand its presence in Belgium while leveraging its alliance network.
A Brussels Airport spokesperson added:
“Air India would complement the strong Star Alliance network at Brussels, which is already represented by major Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, All Nippon Airways, and Juneyao Airlines.”
Additionally, Brussels Airport sees IndiGo as a key player that could stimulate the market with its expanding international operations. IndiGo has leased Boeing 787 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways (N0). The airline is aggressively expanding its European footprint and is actively securing new airport slots for the summer season.
Photo: Lufthansa CargoCargo and Pharmaceutical Trade Advantages
Beyond passenger traffic, a direct India-Belgium route could greatly benefit cargo transport. There is high demand for cargo between the two countries, particularly for pharmaceutical products.
Belgium is one of Europe’s leading pharma hubs, and a direct connection would enhance the movement of life-saving drugs, vaccines, and other critical medical supplies between the two countries.
A Brussels Airport spokesperson explained that:
“Cargo links are very important to support future passenger flights as well as the opportunity to develop full freighter operations. Pharmaceuticals form one of the backbones of the Belgian market.”
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalCurrent India-Europe Flight Landscape
At present, Air India is the largest carrier on India-Europe routes, covering major destinations like London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Zurich, Vienna, and Tel Aviv. Before the pandemic, Air India also operated flights to Madrid and Stockholm.
Meanwhile, IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, is rapidly expanding its international operations. With the addition of wet-leased Boeing 787s, it has set its sights on long haul routes. If IndiGo decides to operate flights to Brussels, it would mark a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalBottom Line
Brussels Airport’s push to restore direct air connectivity with India aligns with the growing demand. There is currently a lack of direct, convenient, and efficient travel options between the two nations. There is a large passenger base, strong cargo potential, and business-friendly policies. A direct flight between India and Belgium could boost tourism, trade, and bilateral relations.
While discussions are still ongoing, a new India-Belgium air link could soon become a reality. If finalized, this move would provide seamless travel options for passengers, strengthen business ties, and enhance cargo operations, particularly in pharmaceutical exports. As negotiations progress, aviation enthusiasts and business travelers alike will be keenly watching for official announcements.
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The post Brussels Airport in Contact with Air India and IndiGo for Direct Flights appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
