Brussels Airport has initiated tendering for new handlers of passengers, baggage, and cargo starting from October 2025, under seven-year licenses.
Currently, the airport utilises two passenger handlers and three cargo handlers at Zaventem, also under seven year-licences, valid until October.
Paircraft handling, which includes baggage handling, check-in, and boarding, is managed by Aviapartner and Alyzia. Originally, Aviapartner and Swissport held the licenses, but Swissport filed for bankruptcy in 2020. French company Alyzia took over, initially temporarily, and later for the remaining licence term.
Alyzia handles flights for Brussels Airlines, the largest operator at Brussels Airport, while Aviapartner manages flights for TUI fly and Ryanair.
For the next licence period up to 2032, there will continue to be two handlers for passenger services. A third handler will be considered only if the airport handles 24 million passengers in the year preceding the selection process. It missed that target in 2023 with just over 22 million passengers.
Since the last licensing period, there have been three cargo handlers: Aviapartner, dnata, and Swissport, whose cargo division was unaffected by the 2020 bankruptcy.
Three cargo handlers will be appointed again for the next period.
Brussels Airport's call for bids also includes inflight catering.
