โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
International โ Domestic
65
minutes
International โ International
80
minutes
Interline Connections
105
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL/EBCI) is the second-busiest airport in Belgium and a major European hub for low-cost carriers, primarily serving the Walloon region and as a secondary gateway to Brussels. Located in Gosselies, a suburb of Charleroi, approximately 46 kilometers south of the Belgian capital, it acts as a primary base for Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport plays a vital role in providing affordable international connectivity to over 100 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, supporting the regional economy and the broader European travel market.
The airport features a two-terminal complex: Terminal 1 (T1) is the main facility handling the vast majority of international flights, while Terminal 2 (T2) was opened more recently to increase capacity during peak periods. The two terminals are connected landside by a short covered walkway, taking only a few minutes to traverse. Inside the terminals, travelers will find a wide array of amenities, including several duty-free and retail shops offering Belgian chocolates and travel essentials, a variety of dining options ranging from quick-service snack bars to sit-down cafes, and high-quality Wi-Fi. The terminal design focuses on efficient passenger flow and rapid aircraft turnaround times, characteristic of budget-focused aviation hubs.
Operational capacity at Charleroi Airport is supported by a significant paved runway (06/24) measuring 2,550 meters in length, which is capable of handling most narrow-body commercial jets such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Navigation through the terminal is relatively straightforward due to its logical layout, although the facility can become quite busy during peak morning and evening flight banks. For ground transportation, the airport is well-connected to Brussels and other Belgian cities via the frequent Brussels City Shuttle (Flibco), local bus links to the Charleroi South railway station, and several international car rental agencies located in the arrivals area. Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time for security screening and the potentially long walk to remote aircraft stands.
๐ Connection Tips
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is one of Europe's classic self-connection airports. The terminal setup is manageable, and the walk between its parts is not especially difficult, but the key issue is that much of the traffic is low-cost and point-to-point. If you are connecting at Charleroi, there is a strong chance you are actually making a landside self-transfer rather than a protected airline connection, which means baggage, check-in rules, and security queues are entirely your responsibility.
That matters because the airport's low-cost efficiency can create false confidence. Even if the terminal is compact, a delay on the first flight can still wreck the second one if the tickets are separate and the check-in cutoff is strict. The same applies if you are using Charleroi as a ground-transfer gateway to Brussels or elsewhere in Belgium. The airport is usable, but it rewards conservative timing rather than optimism.
Use CRL with low-cost discipline. Assume you may need to reclaim baggage and re-enter the departures process unless the airline explicitly says otherwise, and leave a proper buffer if the onward journey matters. Charleroi works well as a budget airport, but it is not built around generous hub-style protections, so a tight self-connection is rarely a smart bet.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Flanders International Airport operates a single asphalt runway (06/24) measuring 1,838 meters in length and 45 meters in width, capable of accommodating aircraft from very light jets to ultra-long-range heavy jets. The airport provides more than 13,000 square meters of business aircraft parking space and maintains official status as a Schengen Area entry point with on-demand customs and immigration services. The terminal building includes a panoramic ground-floor lounge and houses comprehensive FBO services including fuel provision, de-icing capabilities, aircraft storage, and private screening facilities.
The airport's operational infrastructure centers on business aviation and general aviation activities, with no scheduled commercial passenger services. Direct runway access is available to select business park tenants who have invested in private access arrangements. Flight operations utilize Brussels Flight Information Region coordination, with weather services referenced from Lille Airport located 29 kilometers away. The facility elevation stands at approximately 255 feet above sea level, positioned at coordinates 50.8189ยฐN, 3.2096ยฐE.
Terminal amenities include dedicated crew rooms, high-technology meeting spaces, concierge services for passengers and crew, and helicopter service capabilities. The airport functions as a strategic cross-border aviation hub serving the West Flanders region and northern France industrial corridor, with particular emphasis on ferry flights, technical stops, and executive travel rather than commercial airline operations.
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.
โ Back to Brussels South Charleroi Airport