Dutch tour operator Sunweb Group has signed a partnership with Ryanair that allows customers to book package holidays departing from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) and, via an existing code-share with airBaltic, Liège Airport (LGG). Announced on 14 July, the deal complements Sunweb’s current airline roster – which includes Brussels Airlines and Transavia – and gives the company greater capacity flexibility without operating its own fleet. Sunweb serves roughly 1.3 million travellers a year and generated €1.2 billion in revenue in 2025. By tapping into Ryanair’s extensive network, it can now offer more regional departure points, reducing the need for Belgian customers to travel to Schiphol or Düsseldorf. The operator says early-booking figures have exceeded expectations, especially for last-minute sun-and-ski breaks. For Belgium’s secondary airports, the agreement is a welcome boost: Charleroi gains incremental leisure traffic outside its traditional low-cost base, while Liège – historically cargo-focused – adds a new stream of passenger charters. Airport authorities hope the additional volume will justify planned infrastructure upgrades and create seasonal ground-handling jobs. Corporate travel managers may note that Sunweb’s packages, though leisure-oriented, are sometimes used for incentive trips. The new routings expand options for group departures and could lower per-person costs compared with Brussels Airport. However, Ryanair’s luggage and schedule-change policies differ from full-service carriers; buyers should review terms carefully to avoid surprises on corporate incentive budgets.
Source: Aviation24.be
