Brussels Airport in Belgium has announced plans to invest in new baggage sorting systems, storage areas and loading zones, aiming to enhance efficiency and provide a more ergonomic environment for its staff.
The baggage sorting system upgrade will encompass early baggage storage, modern loading infrastructure, and baggage container logistics, all underpinned by a new IT solution.
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) will introduce eight new automatic and semi-automatic loading areas and increase early baggage storage capacity from 1,200 to 3,000 pieces for passengers checking-in early.
The project will also see an expansion of container storage capacity with a high-capacity modular system that can adapt to fluctuating demand.
This modernisation is set to make the baggage handling process more efficient and offer larger capacity to better manage peak times.
The airport also plans to improve the workplace for baggage handlers with the introduction of semi-automated loading systems and lifting aids, which will reduce physical strain and make the roles more attractive.
It has launched the tender for the new system, with the first modules expected to be launched by 2026 and the entire project completed by 2028.
Brussels Airport’s baggage system is a complex 20km network of conveyor belts and screening devices that handle at least 40,000 pieces of baggage daily.
This upgrade is designed to maintain on-time baggage delivery rate, accommodate increasing passenger numbers, and ensure a sustainable and ergonomic work environment.
The latest investment follows previous upgrades to baggage security screening, ensuring the airport meets the latest standards.
In September this year, Brussels Airport recorded more than 2.4 million passengers, increasing 7% compared to the same period in 2023.
