Charleroi Airport Capacity Questioned as Queues Mount, Minister Defends infrastructure
Charleroi, Belgium – Long queues at Charleroi Airport have prompted calls for a parliamentary inquiry, with critics alleging the terminal is overwhelmed by passenger volume. The airport currently serves 10 million passengers annually, a figure sharply contrasting with claims by some officials suggesting a design capacity of only 3 million.
The debate centers on the airport’s infrastructure and its ability to handle current traffic.The Minister has defended the airport’s capacity, stating, “This does not take into account the developments already undertaken: since 2008, we have enlarged T1, built T2, and border control has had its own building. The capacity has therefore evolved.” The airport recently secured a unique environmental permit allowing for further extensions, including a new safety check area, upgraded equipment, expanded check-in facilities, and improvements to baggage recovery.
Addressing immediate concerns, the Minister highlighted efforts to combat high absenteeism rates among security personnel. “A second provider, where there is fewer absences, has been appointed and joined the teams,” they stated.
However, former airport director Jean-Jacques Cloquet argues that simply adding staff won’t resolve the underlying issues. “You can’t get 7 peopel in a 5-seater car. It doesn’t work,” Cloquet said, attributing absenteeism to challenging working conditions and insufficient space. Germain Mugemangango echoed this sentiment, questioning the lack of obvious data. “All of this lacks concrete figures: as if the capacity of the terminal is no longer at 3 million as you say,where is it compared to the 10 million passengers?” he asked.
The situation underscores growing pressure on Charleroi Airport to address capacity concerns and improve passenger experience as travel demand continues to rise.
