Brussels Airport has informed passengers that all its car parks are nearly full and advises passengers to opt for public transport at least for the next few days.
This is a particularly busy time of the year due to two overlapping factors. “Many Dutch people are already starting their May vacation, and they usually come to Brussels by car”, Brussels Airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli told VRT News.
Thursday, 27 April, was a public holiday in the Netherlands, so many people chose to take the day off on Friday as well and enjoy an extra long weekend, with the Monday, 1 May, also being off. Since most of the Dutch get to Brussels Airport by car, leaving their vehicles there while they are away, the car parks are expected to be packed for the next few days.
Additionally, the French speaking schools in Belgium start a two-week holiday today, so many families are expected to start holidays soon, also leaving their cars parked at the airport while they are away.
Besides the usual 14,000 parking spaces, the airport has opened an extra parking lot to help manage the influx of vehicles. “However, if you park there, it is best to come here an extra half hour in advance as the extra parking lot is further away from the departure hall”, Chioua Lekhli explained. If necessary, additional slightly more remote parking solutions will be provided, the airport indicated in a statement. Throughout the day, free shuttle services or free buses from De Lijn run from the further away car parks to the terminal.
Considering the exceptionally busy times, the airport asks passengers to book their parking in advance if they want to be sure they will find a space. Or, the best solution, take the train or bus to reach the airport or at least arrange for someone else to drop them off at the free drop-off area close to the terminal.
