Brussels Airport inaugurates Brucargo Central: new sustainable 83,500m² logistics hub increasing storage capacity by 30% at Brucargo Central

Brussels Airport is today inaugurating Brucargo Central, an 83,500 m² logistics site (equivalent to 12 football fields) on which eight outdated buildings have been replaced by three innovative constructions totaling 34,000 m² of warehouses and offices. Located at the heart of the cargo area, this flagship project redefines airport logistics standards in terms of sustainability, innovation and operational performance. This large-scale redevelopment will increase storage capacity by 30% at Brucargo Central, while reducing paved areas by 20% to create more green spaces and a more pleasant working environment, and improving mobility on site. Launched in 2022, the project represents an investment of €70 million.

Meeting the needs of a fast-growing sector

With 733,000 tonnes of goods transported in 2024 (representing a strong average growth of 6% per year since 2019), Brussels Airport confirms its position as an essential logistics hub in Europe and Europe’s largest pharmaceutical hub. To support this continued growth and meet the needs of more than 100 companies operating in the cargo area, the airport has been investing heavily for several years in new, modern, flexible and sustainable infrastructure. After the construction of specialised facilities (such as the Animal Care & Inspection Centre in 2020), the development of Brucargo West and the construction of a building for Herfurth Logistics, the inauguration of Brucargo Central marks a new stage in this strategy.

“Accelerating the development of the cargo area at Brussels Airport is one of our strategic priorities. Our role is to be a trusted partner that offers the space, flexibility and long-term perspective that logistics operators need to thrive in a constantly evolving market. Brucargo Central illustrates this perfectly,” says Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.

30% increase in storage capacity at Brucargo Central and an additional 10,000 m² of temperature-controlled storage space

With Brucargo Central, eight old buildings from the 1980s have been replaced with three ultra-modern buildings combining warehouses and offices. After three years of construction, this new development offers a consolidated area of 34,200 m² of warehouse space, i.e. 30% more capacity for the same area (83,500 m²). Moreover, an additional 10,000 m² of temperature-controlled space has been added, bringing total cold storage capacity in the Brussels Airport cargo area to 45,000 m². This extra capacity will enable us to respond more effectively to the specific needs of the supply chain, particularly in sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals, the food industry, and e-commerce, while guaranteeing smoother, more efficient operations.

A sustainable development that sets a new standard

The construction of Brucargo Central embodies a sustainable and circular approach. The old buildings were dismantled in line with circular economy principles, and wood was used in the new construction, a choice that reduces CO₂ emissions by 1.5 tonnes compared with an equivalent concrete or steel structure.

All the buildings have BREEAM-Excellent certification, which attests to the use of sustainable materials and innovative technologies. The project is based on a combination of practical solutions: solar panels, electric heat pumps coupled with geothermal storage (BEO) for heating and cooling, optimised water management, improvement of indoor air quality, and generous natural light. The result: a site that is completely fossil fuel-free and highly energy efficient. Last but not least, the site has dedicated significant space to nature, with a 20% increase in green areas, providing a more pleasant and sustainable environment for employees and partners alike.

“As with all Brussels Airport projects, sustainability is at the heart of Brucargo Central, from conception to completion. With these choices, Brucargo Central is a concrete illustration of our commitment to accelerating the sustainable transition of our cargo area and achieving our net zero carbon ambition by 2030,” adds Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.

An infrastructure designed for smooth mobility

Brucargo Central has also been designed to facilitate mobility and enhance safety on the site. A multi-storey car park accommodating 500 cars, with an additional 21 spaces for lorries, optimises access for teams and hauliers. To drive the energy transition, the site is equipped with recharging stations for electric vehicles.

Internal traffic flow has been redesigned for greater fluidity and safety, with one-way traffic around the site and a convenient North-South connections between the buildings, suitable for both cars and lorries. Finally, dedicated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure encourages active travel and contributes to a more pleasant working environment.

Five key players in the new hub

The three new buildings will house five major logistics companies, all already active at Brussels Airport, representing a mix of major international players and local SMEs:

• Nippon Express is strengthening its position in the European market by expanding with a 10,000 m² air freight facility, with a strategic focus on the healthcare sector and European consolidation.
• DSV Air & Sea NV is investing in a new 12,600 m² warehouse to strengthen its air freight activities, with a focus on pharmaceuticals in the healthcare sector. The BREEAM Plus-certified site underscores DSV’s commitment to sustainable logistics and decarbonisation.
• Hazgo, which specializes in logistics solutions for hazardous, temperature-sensitive and pharmaceutical goods, is moving to a 2,000 m² space. Hazgo is part of SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company.
• EV Cargo, a global supply chain player, that confirms its growth ambitions at Brussels Airport.
• Deny Cargo, a pioneer in the cargo zone since the 1980s, which will benefit from a 2,500 m² warehouse including refrigerated storage options.