CEO of Brussels Airport Company (BAC) Arnaud Feist unveiled Thursday its strategic vision 2040, an ambition to double the activities and the job opportunities by 2040.

The airport will start by optimizing its existing infrastructure by 2020.

Air traffic is expected to increase over the next 20 years: about 3.8 percent per year for passenger transport and 4.7 percent for freight transport. And Brussels Airport will not miss the boat.

By 2040, Brussels Airport intends to increase to 93 runway moves (landings and takeoffs) under normal weather conditions, and 84 in case of unfavorable weather.

Two options already mentioned are still being studied: an extension of approximately 900 meters from runway 25L to the east or an extension of the taxiway next to the runway. There is no preference for option A or option B yet.

To meet the increase of passengers, the airport also aims to equip itself with two new piers in 2023 and 2035. The logistics center of the Brucargo zone will be strengthened as a link in the export chain of Belgian products.

Regarding jobs, the number of direct and indirect jobs at the airport would increase from 60,000 today to 75,000 by 2020 and even 120,000 in 2040.

Local residents will be invited to dialogue with the airport about the future of the airport via the Forum 2040. Some 60 participants will be selected on the basis of their domiciliation or expertise in order to ensure a balanced representation of the stakeholders.