Brussels Airport has started building a new drop-off zone as part of its €500 million Hub 3.0 expansion project. Construction began on September 8, 2025, and will continue until early October 2026, when the new facility will open to passengers.
The new Brussels Airport drop-off area will be located behind the Sheraton hotel, aligned with the departure hall. This location aims to give passengers a seamless connection to the terminal while reducing congestion by separating drop-off traffic from other flows.
The new zone will be larger than the current one and include a dedicated assistance point for travellers with reduced mobility. It will also feature greenery and seating, offering a welcoming environment for quick farewells before flights. Until the new zone opens, passengers can continue using the existing drop-off area next to car park P1. Car parks P1, P2, and P3 will remain fully accessible during construction.
A key part of the project is a new junction on the A201 motorway, linking the Brussels Ring Road directly to the airport. This exit will provide direct access to the drop-off zone, keeping vehicles heading there separate from other traffic. A newly built bridge will connect the motorway exit to the terminal-level zone, making it easier for cars and taxis to reach the facility.
The drop-off zone is intended for short goodbyes only. Visitors meeting arriving passengers will need to use the existing car parks. Interparking will manage the new facility, as it does the current zone.
The drop-off zone marks the first visible step of the Hub 3.0 project, a major infrastructure expansion announced earlier this year. Once the new facility opens in 2026, the current drop-off area, built in 2016, will be removed to make way for a large intermodal hub connecting trains, buses, and a future tram line directly to the terminal.
Hub 3.0 also includes expanding the departure and arrival halls, adding more natural light, space, and views of the tarmac. A new 4-star hotel with 300 rooms will be built next to the existing Sheraton to meet growing demand for accommodation. A green boulevard with a landscaped park will link the airport to surrounding areas while integrating car and bicycle traffic with sustainable transport options.
The expansion comes as Brussels Airport prepares for rising passenger numbers. The airport served 24 million travellers in 2024, close to its maximum capacity of 30 million. By 2032, passenger traffic is expected to reach 32 million.
Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, said the investment will improve infrastructure for both passengers and staff. Belgian Federal Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke highlighted the project’s sustainable focus and its role in creating a smart intermodal mobility hub that links comfort, connectivity, and climate goals.
Sustainability is a central focus of Hub 3.0. The plan includes using natural light, sustainable building materials, and energy-efficient technologies such as underground geothermal storage, heat pumps, and solar panels. These features aim to reduce energy consumption and improve the airport’s environmental performance.
The entire Hub 3.0 project—including the new drop-off area, intermodal hub, hotel, and terminal extensions—is expected to be completed by 2032. For travellers, these improvements promise a smoother, more enjoyable start to their airport journey. Brussels Airport’s transformation will reshape the gateway to Belgium for decades to come.
