Brussels South Charleroi Airport, a key hub for low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air, will close for nearly 11 weeks in 2028 for a major runway upgrade. This closure, spanning from August 15 to October 31, coincides with peak summer travel, raising concerns about the impact on holiday plans for millions of passengers.
The airport, which served over 10 million passengers in 2024, is crucial for routes connecting to various European destinations. With no direct flights to London, UK travellers will need to find alternative routes, potentially leading to increased travel costs and longer journey times.
Trade unions are voicing concerns about whether airlines will return to their previous routes after the closure, especially given the EU’s ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ policy for flight slots. This could mean fewer options for UK travellers in the long term, as airlines may not reinstate all routes post-upgrade.
As other airports also announce closures for renovations, this trend highlights the need for travellers to stay informed about changes in flight availability and to plan their journeys well in advance to avoid disruptions during peak travel seasons.
Source: Metro

