Brussels Airport is recording record profit of 207 million euros, but again does not pay a dividend from “to finance future investments”
Arnaud Feist, who has been the top man of airport operator Brussels Airport Company for more than fifteen years, was reappointed earlier this week for a period of six years. – © Belga
Brussels Airport Company, the operator of Zaventem airport, was able to write records in the books last year at the level of turnover and the business profit. However, no dividend is paid out for the sixth year in a row. That is apparent on Friday from the annual results.
The number of passengers at the airport is not yet at the record level: in 2024, 23.6 million travelers were counted, or more than 10 percent less than the 26.4 million passengers in 2019, for the Coronapandemie. Nevertheless, Brussels Airport Company was able to realize a record turnover for the second year in a row. It amounted to 784 million euros, 11 percent more than in 2023.
For growth, the company mainly refers to « the increase in the number of passengers ». It was 6 percent compared to 2023. In addition, 733,000 tons of freight was processed (+5 percent). The costs rose by 8 percent to 576 million euros, « among other things due to the high indexes, the increased air traffic, new facilities and the high security costs ».
The business profit amounted to 207 million euros, higher than the previous record of 200 million euros from 2019. The net profit amounted to 91 million euros, more than half more than in 2023 but no record.
32 million passengers expected
Just like in recent years, the shareholders of Brussels Airport Company, including the Belgian state, will not receive a dividend. That choice is made « to consolidate financial strength and to finance future investments, » it says.
The airport operator recently announced « the largest investment of the past thirty years ». Until 2032, half a billion euros will be invested to be able to absorb the expected passenger increase to 32 million. The plans include a new intermodal hub, an extension of the departure and arrival hall, a new hotel and a new drop-off zone.
In 2024, 255 million euros was invested. That money went to new buildings in the Brucargo freight zone, a new parking building, the renovation of a runway, passenger bridges and the replacement of the fire detection system.
On Wednesday it was announced that Arnaud Feist, who has been the top man of airport operator Brussels Airport Company for more than fifteen years, was reappointed for a period of six years.
