Brussels Airport handled almost 32,000 lost or abandoned items last year as passenger numbers continued to rise.
In 2025, the airport welcomed 24.4 million passengers, up around 3% on the previous year. With about 67,000 people travelling through the terminal each day, the airport’s Lost & Found service registered 31,861 items. Nearly a quarter (23%) were successfully returned to their owners.
Lost property ranges from everyday items such as coats, jewellery and identity documents to electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops and tablets. Staff also came across more unusual items, including a set of dentures.
Checked-in baggage that goes missing is dealt with by airlines, but all other items are handled by the airport’s Lost & Found team. Each item is logged, and staff attempt to identify the owner and arrange its return.
Security checks the main problem area
Around two-thirds of all lost items are left behind at security screening, making it the most common location for missing belongings. Brussels Airport says it is continuing to raise awareness, urging passengers to carefully check trays before leaving the security area.
Clothing, ID documents and jewellery were the most frequently lost items in 2025. Laptops, passports and unchecked bags were among the easiest to return, as they often contain identifying details. On average, items are reunited with their owners within three days, and sometimes on the same day if passengers report the loss quickly.
Passengers are encouraged to report missing items via the airport’s website. Lost property is kept for up to six months. Official documents such as passports and identity cards, are handed to federal police after one month and cannot be reclaimed from the airport.
Donated items given a second life
Unclaimed items are not wasted. As part of its sustainability strategy, Brussels Airport donates many belongings to charities.
Clothing is given to the General Welfare Centre to support people experiencing homelessness. Unclaimed electronic devices are donated to the charity Close The Gap, which redistributes technology for social, medical and educational projects. In 2025, this included 265 mobile phones, 243 tablets and 156 laptops.
Large unopened liquids and toiletries that cannot pass through security are donated to local social welfare centres. Last year, this totalled more than 16 tonnes of products. Other items, such as belts and glasses, are sold at auction, while equipment, including wheelchairs and power banks, has been donated to organisations supporting Ukraine.
With nearly 32,000 items recorded in a single year, Brussels Airport says its Lost & Found service remains a vital part of daily operations, helping thousands of passengers recover their belongings.
