Train traffic to and from the station Brussels Airport – Zaventem will be resumed as of today 2 pm. The station had not been served since the attacks of 22 March. There is no damage to the station itself, but the access to the station is currently not available because it is located in the airport building that was damaged by the attacks. This access will remain closed while repairs are taking place. Transport Minister Bellot (MR) is happy to see the airport accessible by train again.
NMBS/SNCB and Brussels Airport Company have therefore decided, in consultation with the security services and Infrabel, to reopen the old train station on Friday 22 April, so that passengers and staff can once again come to the airport by train.
Passengers will use the existing platforms to access the old station that was made ready to receive passengers. Revised signage will guide the passengers in the right direction.
The ticket offices in the old train station are not open, but ten ticket machines have been installed to replace them. Just as at other major stations, NMBS/SNCB staff will be on hand to assist the passengers. The tickets (ticket + Diabolo surcharge) will be checked in the train.
Train traffic to the airport will be resumed as of 2 pm. The schedule remains unchanged compared to the one prior to 22 March, except for the following services: IC 23 (Ostend – Brussels Airport – Zaventem) and IC 28 (Bruges – Brussels Airport – Zaventem). Today, these services will still be limited to Schaarbeek but as of Saturday they will again continue to the airport. Due to the opening of the Schuman-Josaphat Tunnel on 4 April, there are now also direct train connections from cities such as Dinant, Namur, Charleroi, Ottignies and Nivelles. And from the Brussels-Schuman station, in the heart of the European district, you can now reach the airport in 16 minutes instead of the former 32.
Passengers should take into account that the capacity of the old train station is smaller. The escalators are currently not usable, so that passengers can only use the lifts or stairs. During busy periods, passengers may need more time to get from the station to the airport. NMBS/SNCB is looking at options to increase the accessibility of an infrastructure that has not been in use for several years.
With the restart of train services to the airport, Brussels Airport can once again be reached by all forms of public transport. The regional public transport companies MIVB/STIB and De Lijn resumed their services to the national airport last week.
