Brussels Airport opens new routes for summer 2026
If you have been considering a trip from Brussels, summer 2026 might be a great time: Brussels Airport announced direct flights to 180 destinations operated by 70 airlines. The schedule has added eight new routes — from Polish Gdańsk to Brazilian São Paulo.
Where it’s now easier to fly
The most exciting addition is the direct connection to São Paulo. LATAM Airlines plans to operate three flights a week starting in June. This is the first direct passenger route from Brussels to South America in 26 years, so for travelers to Brazil, this is a significant simplification of the route.
Another distant destination is Halifax in Canada. Air Canada will operate three flights a week there, providing easier access to Nova Scotia, its coastline, and lighthouses. Brussels Airlines is also launching two flights a week to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — an option for those dreaming of an African safari or climbing the highest mountain in Africa.
The Asian network is also expanding. Air China is launching flights to Chengdu, while Hainan Airlines is heading to Chongqing. For traveling in China, this might be more interesting than the traditional route through one of the largest international hubs: Chengdu is known for its cuisine and pandas, while Chongqing boasts futuristic urban development and monorails that run right through skyscrapers.
European options for a short vacation
Not all new routes require a long flight. LOT Polish Airlines is adding four flights a week to Gdańsk — a port city in northern Poland with a historic center and access to the Baltic Sea. Volotea plans to fly three times a week to Asturias in northern Spain, where green mountain landscapes, coastline, and quieter resorts come together.
Overall, Brussels Airport's intercontinental network will have 41 direct destinations this summer. It includes cities in North America, South America, Asia, the Gulf countries, and Africa.
Is it worth planning a departure from Brussels?
Yes, especially if you want to avoid layovers or find an unusual destination for your summer trip. São Paulo, Halifax, and Kilimanjaro are interesting not only for the cities themselves but also for the broader travels they can kickstart — Brazil, Canada, or East Africa.
At the same time, the schedule of 180 destinations does not mean that every flight will operate daily. Some new routes will have only a few departures a week, so when planning, it’s worth first choosing the destination and dates, and then adjusting the itinerary. For a short European trip, Gdańsk or Asturias might be the most convenient, while for a longer vacation — São Paulo, Halifax, or Kilimanjaro.
So which of the new destinations would you choose for your first trip from Brussels — Brazil, Canada, Africa, or one of the European newcomers?
