Brussels Airport is bracing for a competitive shake-up in its ground handling operations as firms from across Europe vie for new handling licences set to commence in October for a seven-year term.
Companies from the UK, France, and Spain have received official recognition from Belgium’s Federal Public Service Mobility — a required step to qualify for a handling licence at the airport.
Among the international contenders are Spain’s Acciona Aeropuertos, France’s Group Europe Handling, and UK-based Menzies Aviation.
These firms are expected to challenge established operators including Aviapartner (which services TUI fly Belgium), Alyzia (Brussels Airlines), as well as Swissport and dnata, which are currently licensed only for cargo handling.
The final decision will cover five key licence categories, spanning both passenger and cargo handling services. A formal selection is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.
The competition is likely to reshape the airport’s ground operations, as Brussels Airport seeks to enhance service quality, operational resilience, and efficiency through the new licensing round.
