Belgium Approves Use of Advance Passenger Information to Tighten Border Controls
Belgium to create National Travel Targeting Center for airline passenger data
Belgium updates asylum-reception law to align with new EU standards
Latest News
Government Sets Roadmap to Liberalise Belgian Rail Passenger Market After 2032
Belgium has unveiled a blueprint for opening its passenger-rail market to competition after the current SNCB contract ends in 2032. A new rail authority will stagger route tenders, ensure tariff interoperability and keep a reduced direct award for non-competitive lines. The plan could improve service frequency for business travellers but raises labour-union concerns.
UK Updates Belgium Travel Advice, Highlights Ongoing National Strike Risk
The UK FCDO has updated its Belgium travel advice (18 July 2026) to underline the risk of further national strikes that could disrupt rail and air travel. Companies relying on time-sensitive trips to Belgium should monitor strike announcements closely and keep contingency plans ready.
Belgian Core Cabinet caps new flight tax at €7 to spare travellers longer routes
Belgium’s federal core cabinet has agreed to raise the embarkation (flight) tax on medium- and long-haul tickets to €7 instead of the €10 previously proposed. The lower-than-expected increase eases cost pressures on business travellers and mobility budgets while still advancing the government’s green-transport goals.
Brussels Airport traffic up 3.6% in first half of 2026 despite strikes and Middle-East reroutings
Brussels Airport handled 11.7 million passengers in H1 2026, up 3.6 % year-on-year, and moved 420 000 tonnes of cargo (+8.3 %), despite two national strikes and reroutings linked to Middle-East tensions. Eight long-haul routes – including first-ever Brussels–São Paulo – boosted connectivity prized by multinationals. Management warns business travellers to plan for potential Entry/Exit System queues but says no further labour action is expected this summer. The strong results underscore Belgium’s importance as a resilient corporate gateway.
Red alert for holiday traffic: Belgian VAB and Touring warn of severe jams across Europe
Belgian road-side clubs VAB and Touring have issued a red traffic alert for 18 July, predicting multi-hour jams on major French, German, Austrian, Swiss and Italian motorways. Companies should warn travelling staff, adjust duty-of-care plans and, where possible, shift departures to Sunday.
Brussels launches month-long Midi Fair, triggers traffic diversions around Gare du Midi
Brussels’ month-long Midi Fair, which began on 18 July, is diverting traffic around Gare du Midi and altering public-transport patterns. Mobility managers should allow extra transfer time for rail arrivals and brief relocating staff on temporary bus and taxi changes.