Charleroi Brussels South Airport (IATA: CRL, ICAO: EBCI) is located in Gosselies, approximately 46 km south of central Brussels. The site has a long aviation history, beginning in 1919 as a flying school, followed by aeronautical maintenance operations and a British Fairey Aviation subsidiary in the 1930s. During World War II, the airfield served as an Allied Advanced Landing Ground (A‑87) from September 1944 to August 1945. After the war, it became a public aerodrome primarily used for private, recreational, and occasional charter flights.
Commercial passenger traffic began to expand in the 1990s with the arrival of low-cost carriers, most notably Ryanair, which established a major base. Since then, the airport has grown rapidly, becoming a key regional airport and an alternative to Brussels Airport for both commercial and private flights. Its main runway (06/24) is 3,200 m long and 46 m wide, accommodating everything from small propeller aircraft to large long-haul airliners.
Modernization efforts include a new passenger terminal, expanded parking, and improved support facilities, making it efficient for both commercial and private operations. The airport operates daily, with summer schedules extending to 23:00, while based aircraft can operate outside regular hours if required.
Passenger numbers have risen steadily over the last decade. In 2023, Charleroi handled 9.4 million passengers, and in 2024 the airport reached 10.5 million passengers, reflecting its growing importance as a hub for low-cost European flights. The airport primarily serves leisure destinations across Europe, while its lower fees and convenient facilities make it an attractive option for private jets and business aviation.
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