Charleroi Airport closure in 2028 for several months sparks political debate

The decision to shut down Belgium’s second largest airport for several months in two years’ time has been met with criticism from trade unions and workers.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) is to close for major renovation, including work on its main runway, reports RTL info.

Other important infrastructure modernisation tasks are also being planned by SOWAER (Walloon Airports Company) for the second half of 2028.

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“These investments aim to ensure the airport’s long-term safety, performance and appeal. To minimise disruption, the various works will be carried out simultaneously. But this will require a suspension of traffic during this period,” explains (BSCA), as quoted by Sudinfo.

The announcement of the closure comes at a sensitive time for the airport. Irish budget airline Ryanair, that has a monopoly of 90% of flights at the Belgian hub, is withdrawing five of its 19 aircraft from BSCA, cutting two million seats, because of Belgian air tax increases.

Trade union representative (SETCa’s) Alain Goelens said this large-scale project was a major cause for concern: “What guarantees does the management have that it will be able to secure all the routes once operations resume? The crux of the problem is that the Walloon government has no strategy whatsoever for diversifying the airlines!”

Goelens was particularly worried about workers’ rights: “As for workers’ wages, has any thought been given to those who will be placed on furlough? It’s a complete mystery, despite the trade unions’ insistence on the matter for over a year. All this reflects a clear lack of a proactive strategy on the part of minister-president of Wallonia Adrien Dolimont [MR] and his government regarding the future of the aviation sector here.”

Authorities defend decision

Walloon airports minister Cécile Neven (MR) disagreed that there was not enough planning, pointing out that preparations for the project have been underway for many months. “The company responsible for managing the infrastructure and spatial planning around Liège and Charleroi airports (SOWAER) and BSCA have been looking into the issue of runway renovation for several years. In November 2024, a joint decision was taken on how the works will be organised in 2028.

“SOWAER, BSCA and the SPW [Service Publique de Wallonie] Mobility and Infrastructure are working together to prepare for this temporary closure and to minimise its impact,” she added. “The work involves, in particular, coordination with airlines, organising the activities of businesses on site, and ensuring the continuity of technical operations essential to the airport’s functioning. So the claim there has been no consideration or planning is at odds with reality.”

As well as highlighting the Walloon airports’ investment plan, Dolimont argued that the current airport strategy was based on diversifying and strengthening the involvement of private shareholders involved in managing Walloon airports.

Photos: (main image) ©BSCA; runway ©BSCA/Ozgun Keziban; sunset ©BSCA/Nicolas Scheirlinck