Brussels Airport has officially begun preparatory works on a new drop-off zone, marking the first visible step of its €500 million Hub 3.0 infrastructure project. The construction started on 8 September and will continue until the beginning of October 2026, when the new zone is scheduled to open.
A smoother start for passengers
The new drop-off zone will be located behind the Sheraton hotel, at the same level as the departure hall. This positioning is designed to provide travellers with a more seamless connection to the terminal, while separating drop-off traffic from other flows to reduce congestion.
Larger than the current area, the new facility will also feature a dedicated assistance point for passengers with reduced mobility, making it easier for all travellers to access the departure hall. The zone will be landscaped with greenery and seating, creating a more welcoming environment for short farewells before a journey.
Until the new facility is operational, passengers can continue using the current drop-off area next to car park P1. The nearby car parks P1, P2, and P3 will remain fully accessible throughout the works.
Improved access roads and traffic flow
A central element of the project is the construction of a new junction on the A201 motorway, which connects the Brussels Ring Road to the airport. The new exit will provide direct access to the drop-off zone, ensuring that vehicles heading there do not interfere with other traffic flows. From the motorway exit, a newly built bridge will lead directly to the terminal-level zone, simplifying the approach for drivers and taxis.
The drop-off zone will, as before, be reserved for quick goodbyes only. Those meeting arriving passengers will need to make use of the existing car parks. Operation of the new zone will continue to be managed by Interparking.
The first step in Hub 3.0
The construction of the drop-off area is the first visible phase of Hub 3.0, a comprehensive infrastructure project announced earlier this year. Once the new facility opens in 2026, the current drop-off area, created in 2016, will be dismantled to make way for a major intermodal hub. This hub will connect train, bus, and a future tram line directly to the terminal, strengthening Brussels Airport’s role as a mobility hub in the heart of Europe.
Hub 3.0 also includes extensions to the departure and arrival halls, designed to offer more light, space, and better views of the tarmac. A new 4-star hotel with 300 rooms will be built next to the existing Sheraton, addressing growing demand for accommodation near the terminal. In addition, a green boulevard with a landscaped park will link the airport to its surrounding environment, integrating car and bicycle traffic with sustainable transport options.
Preparing for growth
The expansion is driven by the need to prepare for rising passenger numbers. Brussels Airport handled 24 million passengers in 2024, close to its maximum capacity of around 30 million. By 2032, the figure is expected to rise to 32 million.
“As a hub airport in the heart of Europe, Brussels Airport wants to further invest in the capacity and quality of its infrastructure for both passengers and employees,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport. “We are proud to present our plans that will greatly enhance the experience of our passengers.”
Belgian Federal Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke also welcomed the investment, highlighting its sustainable dimension. “This investment shows that the airport thinks ahead without losing sight of sustainability. I am particularly delighted that Brussels Airport is committed to an intermodal mobility hub where different modes of transport meet. Mobility today is no longer the sum of separate modes of transport. We need to evolve into smart mobility hubs that seamlessly link comfort, connectivity, and climate ambition.”
Can you picture yourself taking off from here in a few years? ✈️ #brusselsairport is investing in the future! This includes a new intermodal hub, terminal extension, green boulevard & park, new hotel & drop-off zone. All of this to improve capacity & comfort for our passengers,… pic.twitter.com/S0n1Y8a30W
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) April 18, 2025
Sustainability at the core
Sustainability plays a central role in the Hub 3.0 project. The infrastructure plan foresees the use of natural light, sustainable building materials, and future-proof technologies such as underground geothermal storage, heat pumps, and solar panels. These features are designed to reduce energy consumption and improve the airport’s environmental performance.
The full Hub 3.0 project, including the new drop-off area, intermodal hub, hotel, and hall extensions, is expected to be completed by 2032.
For travellers, the changes promise an easier and more enjoyable journey from the very beginning of their airport experience. Brussels Airport’s transformation is set to reshape the gateway to Belgium for years to come.
