Brussels Airport (BRU)

Common Complaints

• Excessive Security and Passport Control Wait Times: This is the most significant and frequently reported issue, with wait times for passport control and immigration often reaching 1-4 hours, particularly for non-EU travelers. Passengers report missing flights due to these long queues. Recent estimates show security wait times around 46 minutes and passport control at 54 minutes, but many traveler accounts contradict these with much longer actual waits.
• Understaffing and Disorganized Queues: Many reviews cite a severe lack of staff at passport control and security, contributing to the long wait times and chaotic scenes. Poor queue management is a recurring problem, with passengers describing it as "shambolic".
• Poor Staff Attitude: Travelers frequently describe airport and security personnel as arrogant, unprofessional, and uncaring, with some reports of racial profiling.
• Inadequate Terminal Facilities: Complaints include dirty toilets, limited seating, and non-functional amenities like USB charging points. The lack of readily available airport carts is also mentioned.
• Overpriced Parking: Compared to other major European airports, parking at BRU is considered expensive.

Overall, recent experiences at Brussels Airport indicate a significant decline in traveler satisfaction, primarily driven by exceptionally long wait times at security and immigration, coupled with perceived poor staff attitudes and inadequate facilities. While transportation connections remain a strong point, the negative aspects of the in-terminal experience often overshadow any positives, leading many travelers to advise avoiding the airport if possible.