Brussels Airport, commonly known as Zaventem, is facing ongoing challenges with long waiting times for international travelers. This issue has become a frequent headline, with passengers often enduring queues exceeding three hours, risking missed flights. On 2025-05-12 10:59:00, Interior Minister Bernard Quintin visited the airport to address these concerns and emphasized the urgent need for improvement.
- Zaventem airport faces long passenger wait times
- Minister Quintin demands quick improvements
- Police understaffing causes border control delays
- Frontex agents deployed to assist controls
- Flight scheduling changes aim to reduce pressure
- Federal police implement special summer staffing plan
Minister Quintin highlighted that Zaventem serves as Belgium’s international calling card, and extensive delays damage the country’s reputation. He stressed that waiting times of two hours or more are unacceptable and must be tackled swiftly, especially with the busy summer season approaching.
What measures are being taken to reduce these delays, and can the airport police handle the pressure? The minister is relying heavily on the federal police and plans structural investments to strengthen border control capacity, aiming for quick, tangible results.
Why have these delays persisted for so long? The root cause lies in chronic understaffing of the airport police, with shifts often operating well below required personnel levels. This shortage forces officers to prioritize border checks over other critical duties like combating illegal activities. Key points to consider include:
- Police staffing at Brussels Airport is reportedly at 80% capacity or less, with some shifts severely understaffed.
- Frontex agents are now authorized to assist, providing extra support at the busiest times.
- There is a proposal to better distribute intercontinental flights to ease peak pressure on border controls.
- The federal police have a summer plan to mobilize additional officers to manage peak periods.
Looking ahead, it is crucial that federal authorities swiftly implement these measures and monitor their effectiveness. Will the increased resources and strategic changes finally bring the relief that passengers at Zaventem desperately need? The coming months will be decisive in restoring confidence in Belgium’s main airport.
