โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Brussels Airport (BRU) operates as a large, single-terminal facility designed around a central building called "The Connector," which seamlessly links the check-in area to the boarding piers. The terminal layout is split into two primary zones: Pier A (gates A and T) mainly serves Schengen flights and select Brussels Airlines long-haul routes (Africa, New York), while Pier B handles non-Schengen traffic. The Connector replaces the old underground tunnels with an open, above-ground structure that houses the centralized security screening and provides expansive views of the tarmac.
Security processing is concentrated within The Connector. All passengers pass through this central checkpoint before diverging to their respective piers. Fast Lane access is available for premium travelers. Immigration control is situated at the entrance to Pier B and at the transfer point between Pier A and B for connecting passengers. The walk from security to the furthest gates in Pier A or B can take 10-15 minutes, so passengers should factor this into their plans, especially if stopping at the many shops along the way.
Amenities at Brussels Airport are extensive. The Connector and both piers feature a wide array of luxury boutiques, duty-free stores, and Belgian specialty shops (chocolate, beer). Dining options range from quick bites (Starbucks, Exki) to sit-down meals (Belgian Beer Cafรฉ, various bistros). For lounge access, Pier A hosts the Sunrise Lounge (Brussels Airlines) and a Diamond Lounge. Pier B features the British Airways Galleries Lounge, another Diamond Lounge, and The View lounge. The Loft lounge in Pier A is a flagship facility but is scheduled for major renovations starting in 2026. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the airport is fully accessible, with dedicated assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Brussels Airport (BRU) is highly efficient due to its single-terminal layout and the presence of 'The Connector,' a central building that seamlessly links the piers to the main security hall. The airport is functionally divided into Pier A, which manages most Schengen and domestic traffic, and Pier B, dedicated to Non-Schengen destinations like the UK, USA, and Turkey. For travelers transferring between piers, follow the prominent red 'Connection' signs. A critical logistical tip: when moving from Pier A to Pier B, you must clear passport control to exit the Schengen zone; conversely, moving from B to A requires both passport control and a secondary security screening. Allow at least 70-85 minutes for these inter-pier transitions.
A major highlight for frequent flyers is 'The Loft' lounge in Pier A (near Gate A42). Widely considered one of the best in Europe, it features a draft Belgian beer station, high-end Neuhaus chocolates, and quiet nap pods. For those heading to the city center, the airport's direct rail link is located on Level -1. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes and reach Brussels Central station in just 17 minutes for approximately โฌ10.30. Contactless 'Tap On, Tap Off' is now supported at the station gates for ultimate convenience.
Inside the terminal, amenities are world-class, including extensive Belgian chocolate boutiques and duty-free shops in the Connector. Security wait times are typically under 15 minutes, but the morning wave (6:00 AM โ 9:00 AM) can be busier; check the airportโs mobile app for real-time wait updates. Note that gate numbers are often only assigned 45-60 minutes before departure, so monitor the digital displays in the central marketplace area. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility, and numerous mobile charging stations are located near every gate wing.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Flanders International Airport (KJK), also known as Kortrijk-Wevelgem International Airport, is a premier business and general aviation hub serving the West Flanders region of Belgium. Situated approximately 2 kilometers from the Wevelgem town center and near the French border, the airport acts as a critical link for corporate travelers bypassing the congestion of major commercial hubs. The facility features a modern, two-story terminal center specifically designed for high-end service, acting as a strategic gateway for the region's industrial and administrative sectors.
The terminal's layout is organized across two functional levels to ensure a highly efficient passenger and crew experience. The ground floor serves as the primary hub for Customs & Border Protection (CBP) services, housing modernized immigration checkpoints for Schengen and non-Schengen traffic. This level also features a specialized 'Pilotroom' for flight crews, equipped with cloud printing, media players, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The second floor is the commercial and meeting zone, housing the panoramic 'Biggles' restaurant and bar, which offers full views of the 1,900-meter asphalt runway (06/24) and the airfield apron.
Amenities within the Flanders International terminal are uniquely tailored to business aviation. The facility features high-tech conference rooms equipped with 84-inch 4K smart screens and video conferencing systems, making it a popular choice for 'fly-in' business meetings. For refreshments, the Biggles restaurant provides authentic Belgian lunch and coffee, while a dedicated 'M-eating Area' offers a more private dining environment for corporate clients. The facility provides free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, clean public restrooms, and specialized FBO services including aircraft handling, fueling (Jet A1 and Avgas), and de-icing managed by partners like Luxaviation.
Ground transportation at KJK is well-coordinated with the region's motorway network, located near the intersection of the E17 and E403 highways. Travelers can easily access central Kortrijk, Ghent, and even Lille (France) via local taxi services or pre-arranged private hires stationed near the terminal exit. There are no dedicated public airport shuttle buses, but the airport's proximity to the city allows for a quick 10-to-15 minute transfer. For those preferring independent travel, car rental services can be coordinated through local providers and delivered to the terminal. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before their scheduled private or charter flight to account for security and manifest procedures.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Flanders International Airport (KJK) is a specialized process due to its focus on business and general aviation. For most travelers, a 'connection' here involves transitioning from a private charter or corporate jet to local ground transport for travel across Flanders or into Northern France. Since all passenger and administrative facilities are housed within a single building, moving from your arrival gate to the transport hub outside can be completed in under 5 minutes. However, it is advisable to allow at least 45 minutes for any onward connection to account for baggage retrieval and potential customs re-checks.
Ground transportation is the most critical link for any traveler transiting through Wevelgem. While taxis are available, it is highly recommended to pre-arrange a private vehicle or a rental car if you are heading directly to the Kortrijk Xpo or the Port of Ghent, as there is no on-site public transit terminal. If your onward journey involves an international flight from Brussels (BRU) or Charleroi (CRL), ensure you have a minimum buffer of 90 to 120 minutes to account for the motorway drive. Digital information displays at the terminal provide updates on local weather and airfield status, but direct communication with your FBO dispatcher is the most reliable source of information for private flights.
Practical preparation for a KJK connection includes utilizing the airport's modern business infrastructure. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected and confirm onward hotel or meeting bookings. While there are banking services in the nearby Wevelgem town, the terminal itself does not maintain major ATMs airside, so having some Euros (EUR) in cash for initial local expenses is a wise precaution, although most terminal services and Belgian taxis accept contactless card payments. If you have a short wait between your flight and ground transfer, the upper-level Biggles restaurant offers the most comfortable seating and a wide variety of refreshments. Always double-check your departure time with your private carrier, as flight windows at regional airfields can occasionally shift due to air traffic control slots.
If you are transiting from a non-Schengen country, note that KJK maintains dedicated customs and immigration facilities on the ground floor. Always have your digital boarding passes and travel documents ready for inspection, as security protocols at Belgian regional airports are thorough and may include secondary identity checks at the terminal entrance. Always stay close to your designated waiting zone or the pilot lounge, as flight announcements are primarily made locally and may not be audible in the outer parking areas. For those seeking to explore the region during a long layover, the nearby city of Kortrijk offers extensive historic sites and dining options within a short 10-minute drive.
โ Back to Brussels Airport