How has traffic in Brussels fared since the start of the pandemic?
Léon Verhallen - It will come as no surprise to anyone that traffic has literally collapsed. At the end of September, we welcomed 5.85 million passengers compared with 20.1 million for the same period in 2019.. A recovery was seen with the reopening of Europe's borders in mid-June. In June, passenger numbers represented 6% of the 2019 total. We climbed to 20% in July and August, but traffic has since fallen back again with new restrictions. In September, our traffic represented only 16% of that for 2019.. We are now more pessimistic about traffic trends between now and the end of the year, based on the second wave of covid.
What measures have been put in place to protect passengers in Brussels?
L. V. - A number of measures have been adopted. For example, passengers have their temperature taken by scanner. We naturally apply the social distance measures. We have also installed hydro-alcoholic gel dispensers throughout the airport and are constantly disinfecting all areas.
The slowness with which test results are obtained is often cited as a handicap to the resumption of traffic. What solutions have been adopted in Brussels to overcome this problem?
L. V. - We took the initiative of setting up a PCR testing unit with a laboratory at our airport. This enables us to deliver a result to the traveller within 24 hours.. We are one of the few companies in Belgium to offer such fast results. We can offer up to 7,000 tests a day. They are open to everyone, including non-passengers. However, you must register in advance.
What does the arrival of antigen tests change?
L. V. - Antigen tests combined with existing PCR tests should help to restore confidence among travellers. In fact, it is not flight safety that frightens passengers, but rather the uncertainty of being able to reach a destination. Rapid tests will help to create corridors or travel bubbles between countries. And that means a little more activity.
Is Brussels still an important airport for airlines?
L. V. - I have to admit that I'm pleased to see that the airlines haven't abandoned us. This summer we had 45 scheduled airlines serving 120 destinations from Brussels. Last year, we had 60 flights to 200 destinations. At intercontinental, we are once again welcoming Gulf carriers, Air Canada, United Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Rwandair. Delta has announced that it will return next summer, and we are still awaiting decisions from All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways International. However, most of them are offering a reduced number of frequencies. We are also delighted to see that Brussels Airlines has resumed most of its flights to Africa. the continent is an essential segment of our business.
How do you see business travel evolving?
L. V. - This will probably be the most difficult segment to revive. Over the summer, we saw a rapid recovery in leisure travel, followed by affinity travel. As far as business travel is concerned, I predict a return of these categories of passenger in the short term: essential travellers such as those from the IT sector; diplomats or the media; contractors with large contracts requiring a presence. MICE, on the other hand, is dead for the moment.
What are your predictions for the recovery in 2021?
L. V. - It's difficult to say, because it depends on many factors outside the airport. But we can assume that traffic will remain very low in the first quarter of 2021. With a vaccine available, we could see activity equivalent to 60% or 70% in a normal year.. We could even reach a rate of 75% or 80% by the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022.
