Liège Airport Ends Passenger Flights, Shifts Fully to Cargo Hub

Belgium’s Liège Airport has lost its final scheduled passenger service and will now operate exclusively as a cargo airport, following the departure of TUI fly Belgium. The airline concluded its last passenger flight from Liège on January 4, 2026, bringing to an end more than three decades of commercial passenger operations at the airport.

TUI fly Belgium, which operates under the TUI Group umbrella, had been the only remaining scheduled passenger airline serving Liège. The carrier first launched services at the airport in 1994, making its withdrawal a significant milestone in the airport’s operational history. TUI announced its decision to close its Liège base in July 2025, citing persistent unprofitability and the need to focus resources on stronger leisure markets within its network.

Airport spokesman Christian Delcourt confirmed that the end of TUI’s operations leaves Liège without any scheduled passenger flights. However, he stressed that the airport is not permanently closing the door to passenger traffic. “Liège remains open to the resumption of regular passenger services,” Delcourt said, adding that any return of commercial flights is unlikely before the winter 2026 season.

Passenger services had become a marginal activity at Liège in recent years. According to airport management, passenger flights accounted for less than 2% of total airport revenue, reflecting the airport’s long-standing strategic focus on freight rather than commercial travel. Liège has steadily built its reputation as one of Europe’s leading air cargo hubs, benefiting from its central location, 24/7 operating capability, and strong logistics ecosystem.

The pivot to an all-cargo model formalises a reality that has been in place for some time. Liège Airport is a major European base for express and e-commerce logistics, hosting operations by global integrators, freight forwarders, and dedicated cargo airlines. Night-time operations, flexible slot availability, and streamlined customs procedures have made it particularly attractive for time-critical shipments.

The departure of passenger services is also consistent with broader trends in European aviation, where secondary airports increasingly specialise in either leisure travel or freight, rather than attempting to balance both. For Liège, management has repeatedly signalled that cargo remains the core growth engine, with infrastructure investments and commercial strategy aligned accordingly.

While the loss of passenger flights marks the end of an era, airport officials view the transition as a consolidation rather than a retreat. By focusing fully on cargo, Liège aims to strengthen its competitive position against rival freight hubs in Europe and capitalise on continued growth in e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value logistics.

Any future return of passenger flights would depend on market demand and airline interest, but for now, Liège Airport’s identity as a dedicated cargo gateway for Belgium and the wider region is firmly set.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com