Brussels, Belgium—home to the European Union headquarters and a major aviation hub—is rapidly emerging as a strategic focus for Chinese airlines. Following years of service by Hainan Airlines on this route, Juneyao Airlines and Air China have now announced direct flights to Brussels, signaling intensifying competition in this market.
Recently, an industry insider revealed a new route approval indicating that Air China plans to launch flights to Brussels from both Beijing and Chengdu, drawing significant attention. In earlier years, Hainan Airlines was the sole operater of direct flights between China and Brussels, having built a mature and stable network through long-standing partnerships with Brussels Airport and Brussels Airlines. At one point, Hainan Airlines even routed its Boston–Beijing service with a technical stop in Brussels (flight HU730).
However, this landscape is quietly shifting. Juneyao Airlines has already made a low-profile entry into the Brussels route, and now, and Air China’s arrival is expected to further reshape the competitive dynamics. Industry observers are drawing comparisons to the earlier competition among Chinese carriers for Budapest, suggesting that Brussels may soon become the next major battleground.
Beyond its geopolitical significance, Brussels Airport offers robust transit capabilities. It handles around 300 outbound flights per day and serves as a key hub with strong connectivity to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Several European and Middle Eastern destinations still remain underserved. For example, the Tel Aviv route once operated by Hainan Airlines is currently unserved from Shanghai, and is considered a strong candidate for future expansion.
As the global travel market continues its recovery, Chinese airlines are accelerating their push into secondary and even tertiary European cities. Brussels’ rising prominence may well be a sign of broader shift in long-haul route development.
