Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s flagship carrier, has unveiled its boldest summer expansion plan, promising more destinations, increased flight frequencies, and a surge in employment opportunities. With a capacity boost of 18% compared to summer 2024, the airline sets a high bar for Europe’s aviation market while introducing an ambitious fleet expansion and a new destination to its roster.
New Horizons: Funchal Takes Flight
Among the highlights of this expansion is the addition of Funchal, Madeira, to Brussels Airlines’ European network. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and subtropical climate, Madeira’s capital will welcome direct weekly flights from Brussels starting in April 2025. This marks a significant step for the airline, as Funchal becomes its fourth destination in Portugal, alongside Faro, Porto, and Lisbon.
Spain remains a central focus for the airline, which will increase flights to famous cities such as Malaga, Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. The continuation of routes to Fuerteventura, launched in winter 2024-2025, further cements Spain’s importance in Brussels Airlines’ strategy. With 15 Spanish destinations on offer, travellers are guaranteed unparalleled connectivity.
Strengthening Network in Greece, Morocco, and Beyond
The Mediterranean remains pivotal, with Greece seeing nine destinations served, including increased capacity to Samos and Lesbos. Morocco will also see enhanced frequencies to Tanger, while the United Kingdom’s Birmingham, recently reinstated during the winter season, will now operate year-round.
Furthermore, Germany and Switzerland are set to benefit from operational shifts. Brussels Airlines will assume responsibility for flights from Brussels to Munich and Frankfurt, previously operated by Lufthansa. Similarly, routes to Zurich and Geneva will transition from Swiss International Air Lines to Brussels Airlines, solidifying its position as a key player in European aviation.
Fleet Expansion: The Sky’s the Limit
Brussels Airlines is scaling up its fleet to unprecedented levels to accommodate this massive growth. The summer 2025 season will feature 50 aircraft, including 11 long-haul Airbus A330s—the largest long-haul fleet in the airline’s history—and 35 short- and medium-haul Airbus A319/320 aircraft. Additionally, four Airbus A220s from Air Baltic will operate under the Brussels Airlines banner, further bolstering capacity.
Funchal.
This significant expansion marks a leap from the 44 aircraft deployed in the summer of 2024, reflecting the airline’s confidence in its growth trajectory and commitment to meet rising passenger demand.
Creating Jobs to Support Growth
A growth strategy of this magnitude requires robust staffing. Brussels Airlines plans to recruit over 370 new employees to meet operational demands. This includes 190 cabin crew members, 50 pilots, 60 ground staff, 40 maintenance and engineering professionals, and 20 head office personnel.
Jan Derycke, Head of Network and Planning at Brussels Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the airline’s ambitious plans:
“I’m excited to see Brussels Airlines growing and expanding. Not only are we introducing new destinations, but we’re also adding capacity to our existing network. It offers people more flexibility when planning their summer travels. Last summer, we ranked among Europe’s top five most reliable airlines. Once again, we are committed to being a dependable partner for our guests, ensuring they reach their well-deserved holiday destinations.”
What This Means for Travelers
The airline’s commitment to expansion is not just about numbers but also about delivering superior customer experiences. With increased European connectivity and enhanced flexibility for summer travellers, Brussels Airlines aims to be a reliable choice for leisure and business passengers.
From the sun-soaked coasts of Portugal to the cultural hubs of Germany, the 2025 summer schedule offers something for every traveller. With its promise of more frequent flights, expanded networks, and a focus on reliability, the airline is poised to impact the European aviation sector significantly.
Looking Ahead
While full details of the summer 2025 long-haul network have yet to be revealed, the addition of an 11th Airbus A330 suggests exciting developments. Whether exploring new international markets or doubling down on existing strengths, Brussels Airlines is charting a course for growth, innovation, and unparalleled customer satisfaction.
As the airline gears up for this ambitious season, one thing is clear: Brussels Airlines is ready to soar higher than ever, cementing its role as a leader in European aviation.
By expanding its network, investing in fleet growth, and creating hundreds of jobs, Brussels Airlines is not just responding to market demand—it’s redefining what it means to lead in the skies.
For more information and bookings, visit Brussels Airlines.
Written by: Michelle Warner
