Brussels Airport opens Brucargo Central
- A new 83,500 m² sustainable logistics center increases warehouse capacity by 30% in Brucargo Central thanks to a €70 million investment.
- Brussels Airport is opening Brucargo Central, an 83,500 m² logistics site (equivalent to 12 football fields) where eight old buildings have been replaced by three innovative constructions totaling 34,000 m² of warehouses and offices.
Located in the heart of the cargo area, this pioneering project redefines airport logistics standards in terms of sustainability, innovation and operational performance. This large-scale redevelopment will increase Brucargo Central’s storage capacity by 30%, while reducing paved areas by 20% to create more green space, a more pleasant working environment, and improve site navigation. Launched in 2022, the project represents an investment of €70 million.
Meet the needs of the rapidly growing sector
With 733,000 tons of cargo transported in 2024 (representing a strong average growth of 6% per year since 2019), Brussels Airport confirms its position as an essential logistics hub in Belgium and the largest pharmaceutical hub in Europe.
To support this continued growth and meet the needs of more than 100 cargo companies, the airport has invested heavily for several years in new, modern, flexible and sustainable infrastructure. Following the construction of specialized facilities (such as the Animal Care and Inspection Center in 2020), the development of Brucargo West and the construction of a building for Herfurth Logistics, the opening of Brucargo Central represents a new phase in this strategy.
“Accelerating the development of the cargo area at Brussels Airport is one of our strategic priorities. Our role is to be a reliable partner that provides the space, flexibility and long-term perspective that logistics operators need to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Brucargo Central demonstrates this perfectly,” says Arnaud Vest, CEO of Brussels Airport.
30 percent increase in storage capacity at Brucargo Central and an additional 10,000 square meters of temperature-controlled storage space
With Brucargo Central, eight old buildings dating back to the 1980s have been replaced by three ultra-modern buildings that combine warehouses and offices. After three years of construction, this new development offers a consolidated area of 34,200 m2 of warehouse space, i.e. 30% more capacity for the same area (83,500 m2).
Furthermore, 10,000 square meters of temperature-controlled space have been added, bringing the total cold storage capacity in the Brussels Airport cargo area to 45,000 square metres. This additional capacity will enable us to respond more effectively to the specific needs of the supply chain, especially in sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals, the food industry and e-commerce, while ensuring smoother and more efficient operations.
Sustainable development sets new standards
The construction of Brucargo Central embodies a sustainable and circular approach. The old buildings were dismantled in line with circular economy principles, and wood was used in the new construction, an option that reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5 tons compared to an equivalent concrete or steel structure.
All buildings are BREEAM-Excellent certified, which certifies the use of sustainable materials and innovative technologies. The project relies on a range of practical solutions: solar panels, electric heat pumps combined with geothermal energy storage (BEO) for heating and cooling, optimized water management, improved indoor air quality, and generous natural light. The result: a site that is completely fossil fuel-free and highly energy efficient. Last but not least, the site has devoted a lot of space to nature, with a 20 percent increase in green space, providing a more enjoyable and sustainable environment for employees and partners alike.
Arnaud Vest, CEO of Brussels Airport, adds: “As with all Brussels Airport projects, sustainability is at the heart of Brucargo Central, from concept to completion. With these selections, Brucargo Central is a tangible example of our commitment to accelerating the sustainable transformation of our cargo area and realizing our ambition of net zero carbon.” By 2030.”
Infrastructure designed for seamless mobility
Brucargo Central is also designed to facilitate navigation and enhance site safety. A multi-storey car park with capacity for 500 cars, with an additional 21 truck spaces, improves access for teams and transport drivers. To drive the energy transition, the site is equipped with recharging stations for electric vehicles.
Internal traffic flow has been redesigned for greater smoothness and safety, with one-way traffic around the site and convenient north-south connectivity between buildings, suitable for both cars and trucks. Finally, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure encourages active travel and contributes to a more enjoyable working environment.
Five key players in the new position
The three new terminals will house five major logistics companies, all of which are already active at Brussels Airport, and represent a mix of major international players and local SMEs: Nippon Express is strengthening its position in the European market through expansion with a 10,000 square meter air cargo facility, with a strategic focus on the healthcare sector and European consolidation.
DSV Air & Sea NV is investing in a new 12,600 sqm warehouse to boost its air cargo activities, with a focus on pharmaceuticals in the healthcare sector. The BREEAM Plus certified location underscores DSV’s commitment to sustainable logistics and decarbonisation.
Hazgo, which specializes in logistics solutions for dangerous, heat-sensitive and pharmaceutical goods, is moving into a 2,000 square meter space. Hazgo is part of SGS, the world leader in testing, inspection and certification.
EV Cargo, one of the world’s leading supply chain companies, confirms its ambitions for growth at Brussels Airport. Deny Cargo, a leader in the cargo area since the 1980s, will benefit from a 2,500 square meter warehouse including refrigerated storage options.
