"Fix It!": Brussels Airport Once Again Under Fire for "Outrageously Long Waiting Times, At Least Two Hours in Line"

Long waiting times at Brussels Airport are once again drawing criticism, after Belgian MP Michael Freilich shared a revealing video of the long queue he was forced to stand in. Freilich publicly called out what he was filming as a worsening situation for passengers.

In his May 4 post on social media platform X, Freilich warned that queues of “at least two hours” have effectively become the "daily norm" at the airport.

“Detrimental to the economy, tourism AND image,” he wrote, urging the authorities to take immediate action to "fix it!”

Old Problem Resurfaces

While the latest criticism has reignited attention, long queues are not a new issue at Brussels Airport. Like several major European hubs, the airport has struggled in recent years with operational bottlenecks, with special emphasis on peak travel periods.

Brussels Airport. Photo: Claudine Van Massenhove / Shutterstock.com

Staffing shortages, increased passenger volumes, tighter security procedures, and ongoing strikes have all contributed to congestion at key checkpoints, including security screening and passport control.

With the introduction of the European Union's new entry/exit system (EES), which received severe criticism from European aviation organizations, ACI EUROPE and Airlines for Europe, and airlines like Ryanair for the long delays and wait times, things don't seem to be looking up for Brussels Airport.   

Plus, with the summer travel season fast approaching and more disruptive strikes on the horizon, including the May 12, 2026 strike, the airport has already warned that it will cause a manpower shortage, leading to cancellations and delays for both incoming and outgoing flights. Things are not looking good for travelers, especially since the airport is Belgium’s main international gateway with a crucial role in connecting the country to global business and tourism flows.

What Can You Do as a Traveler 

-Prepare for potential delays, especially during peak morning and late afternoon hours.

-Arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure for short-haul flight.

-Allow even more time for long-haul or intercontinental travel.

-Closely monitor airline and airport updates on official websites and social media accounts on the day of travel.

Travelers with tight connections may also want to consider alternative routing options where possible.