Belgium trims red tape for EU Blue Card holders to lure global talent
European Summit Brings Major Traffic & Security Restrictions to Brussels’ EU Quarter
Belgium Reports 44 % Drop in Asylum Applications for September
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Brussels Airport handles 2.4 million passengers in September despite strike-hit summer
Brussels Airport processed 2.4 million passengers in September 2026, up 3.9 % year-on-year, and saw cargo volumes jump 6.8 %. The strong numbers—despite earlier strikes—indicate sustained demand for international travel to and from Belgium, suggesting tighter capacity and potential labour-action risks for corporates planning Q4 mobility.
Schengen Information System Adds New ‘External-Intel’ Alert Category
A new SIS alert category becomes operational on 15 October, letting Belgian authorities see intelligence-based warnings about terrorism or serious crime gathered outside the EU. The function tightens security at borders and airports, but travellers could face extra questions if flagged. Companies should brief staff accordingly.
Brussels Airport Unveils Winter Schedule: 136 Destinations and Four New Routes
Brussels Airport’s winter schedule, released 15 October, offers 136 destinations—adding Santiago de Compostela, Nantes, Kemi-Tornio and Evenes—and expects 1.7 million passengers over the autumn holidays. New routes and added frequencies give business travellers more options, particularly to Scandinavia and the Gulf.
EU Council Drafts Remedial Action Plan After Schengen Audit Finds Belgian Border-Management Gaps
An EU Council draft decision dated 14 October orders Belgium to address serious shortcomings in border-management and data-exchange systems found in the 2026 Schengen evaluation. Belgium must file an action plan within two months or risk follow-up sanctions, a development that could affect travel fluidity for companies using Belgian gateways.
Security perimeter for EU summit restricts movement in Brussels’ European Quarter
A security perimeter for the 15-16 October European Council summit is causing road closures, diverted public transport and longer airport-city transfer times in Brussels. Businesses should expect mobility disruption in the European Quarter until late Friday and adjust travel schedules or opt for remote meetings.
Parliament Delays Vote on Belgium’s Controversial ‘Home-Entry’ Immigration Bill
A chamber power outage on 13 October forced Belgium’s parliament to delay its final vote on a bill that would let police enter homes, with a judge’s order, to detain undocumented migrants. The week-long postponement gives lawmakers time to revise safeguards but keeps uncertainty alive for employers with foreign staff. If adopted, the law would tighten enforcement and oblige HR teams to reinforce permit-renewal compliance and housing protocols.
Brussels Airport Reports 3.9 % Passenger Growth in September, Signals Resilient Business-Travel Demand
Brussels Airport handled 2.36 million passengers in September 2026, up 3.9 % year-on-year, and moved more than 70,000 tonnes of cargo (+6.8 %). Growth came despite earlier strikes, indicating robust business-travel demand. Higher passenger belly-hold capacity benefits time-sensitive freight, while rising load factors mean tighter seat availability on key European routes—information mobility managers should bake into travel policies.
Strike Tracker Shows No Upcoming Transport Strikes After 12 October Walkout
Strike Tracker’s refresh on 14 October confirms no rail, metro, bus or airport strikes are scheduled in Belgium for the next month. After a 12 October public-services walkout, the transport outlook is currently clear—giving employers a window to schedule travel and relocations. Mobility managers should still keep automated strike alerts active, as Belgian unions often announce actions at short notice.
Brussels Airport tops 2 million passengers again as corporate travel rebounds
Brussels Airport processed 2.36 million passengers in September 2026—its sixth straight month above the two-million mark—fuelled by strong leisure demand and a near-full recovery of corporate travel. Freight tonnage is also up 8.1 % this year. While the figures confirm Belgium’s aviation rebound, they also mean busier terminals, higher long-haul fares and renewed pressure to solve border-control delays before year-end.