Brussels Airlines expecting 1.2 million passengers over summer

Brussels Airlines expects to carry more than 1.2 million travellers in July and August, with the US and Scandinavian countries serving as the most popular destinations.

"Party flights" will also once again bring more than 20,000 partygoers to Belgium on a brand new ‘Amare’ aircraft for the Tomorrowland festival.

Within Europe, islands are especially popular this summer, according to Brussels Airlines, with full flights to Zakynthos, Corfu and Rhodes in Greece and Gran Canaria, Mallorca and Lanzarote in Spain.

City trips are also popular in the summer, especially to cities with milder climates such as Gothenburg and Stockholm in Sweden.

Outside Europe, the airline notes that many Belgians choose to holiday in the US via direct flights to New York and Washington DC. Full flights also depart to destinations such as Hurghada in Egypt and Antalya in Turkey.

In preparation for a busy summer, Brussels Airlines has hired more than 180 additional cabin crew and 64 additional pilots.

Teams at Zaventem airport will be reinforced during the summer with 40 new check-in staff. In addition, 70 job students will assist the ground staff.