Charleroi Airport to shut for 11 weeks in 2028 for major runway rebuild

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, Belgium’s second-busiest airport and main low-cost hub, will close completely for approximately 11 weeks from 15 August to 31 October of 2028 to allow a full reconstruction of its sole runway and simultaneous modernisation works. Airport operator BSCA and the Walloon airports company SOWAER have confirmed the plans, describing the project as construction of “historic proportions.”

The 3,200-metre runway, which has not undergone a complete renovation for around 40 years and is nearing the end of its estimated 25-year service life, requires full pavement reconstruction, upgraded drainage, renewed lighting, markings and related airfield infrastructure. Because Charleroi operates with only one runway, commercial flights cannot continue during the works. A continuous, around-the-clock closure (reported in some sources as running roughly from mid-August to the end of October 2028) is intended to keep the disruption as short as possible. The investment is estimated at around €50 million. BSCA states the works are essential to guarantee long-term safety, operational performance and the airport’s attractiveness.

Possible mitigations

Authorities emphasise that preparations have been under way for years. A joint decision on the 2028 organisation of the works was taken in November 2024 by SOWAER and BSCA. Multiple modernisation projects on the terminal, apron and other facilities will be carried out at the same time to avoid repeated future closures.

BSCA, SOWAER and the Walloon public service for mobility and infrastructure say they are coordinating with airlines on schedule adjustments, alternative routings and passenger re-accommodation or refunds once the exact timetable is finalised. Continuity plans for essential technical operations on site and for companies based at the airport are also being developed. The Walloon government has stressed efforts to limit consequences for passengers, staff and the regional economy. In parallel, officials continue to push for greater airline diversification at Charleroi to reduce reliance on any single carrier.

Recent infrastructure upgrades, including a new security screening building opened in 2026 that increased lanes and improved passenger flow, form part of the broader effort to support the airport’s rapid growth while preparing for the temporary shutdown.

Reactions

Airport management has defended the project as a necessary long-term investment that will secure reliability for decades. Walloon Airports Minister Cécile Neven rejected claims of insufficient anticipation, noting that studies and joint planning date back several years and that coordination with airlines and on-site businesses is already under way.

Trade unions, particularly SETCa representative Alain Goelens, have voiced strong criticism, describing the situation as “total uncertainty”. They question whether all routes and capacity will return after reopening, raise concerns about temporary unemployment arrangements and pay for staff during the closure, and accuse the Walloon government of lacking a clear strategy for the airport’s future and for diversifying its airline base. The timing is seen as particularly sensitive because Ryanair, which operates its largest Belgian base at Charleroi, recently announced the withdrawal of five aircraft and cuts of around two million seats across Belgian operations for winter 2026/27 and summer 2027, citing federal passenger-tax increases.

Ryanair itself has not yet issued a detailed public reaction specifically to the 2028 closure announcement. The carrier has previously described Charleroi as one of its major long-term bases while repeatedly warning that higher taxes could force further capacity reductions. Other operators such as Wizz Air will also need to adapt. BSCA has said it is continuing talks with Ryanair and other partners to minimise disruption to passengers, employees and the local economy.

The planned shutdown comes after years of strong growth: Charleroi handled a record 11.2 million passengers in 2025 after crossing the 10-million mark in 2024. The temporary loss of this low-cost capacity is expected to affect travellers, airport jobs (more than 3,000 on site) and related regional activity, with some traffic potentially shifting to Brussels Airport (Zaventem) or other nearby options. Detailed contingency plans and final schedules are still being finalised well ahead of 2028.

Caption: Charleroi airport [Website of Charleroi Airport]