The start of the Easter school holidays is expected to increase traffic on Belgian roads and airports this weekend, warned Brussels Airport and the travel companies, Touring and VAB.
Students at Dutch-speaking schools are set to start their two-week Easter break from 4 April until 21 April. While French-speaking schools will not go on break until after 25 April, those travelling from this Friday should already brace themselves for longer travel times.
According to Touring, Belgian roads will be their busiest on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Traffic jams are particularly likely on Friday, as those travelling on holidays will likely coincide with rush hour.
The recent spell of good weather in Belgium is expected to further aggravate traffic on Friday, particularly on the E40 towards the coast.
Credit: Belga/Virginie Lefour
Touring spokesperson, Danny Smagghe, advises those taking off on holidays to hit the road on Saturday afternoon or Sunday if possible.
Nearby countries are expected to experience a slightly milder traffic situation. According to VAB, France is set to experience traffic only on Friday afternoon. This is expected to mostly affect the northeast part of the country, on the A31 Luxembourg-Nancy, the A36 and the N57.
Contrastingly, the likelihood of increased traffic jams in Germany is relatively minor, according to VAB.
Passengers at Brussels airport in Zaventem. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
At least 1.2 million passengers are expected to walk through Brussels Airport during the holiday period. This is 100,000 more travellers compared to the figures during the Easter period last year.
On Friday, 4 April, around 74,000 passengers are set to make their way through the airport in Brussels. However, the busiest day is expected to be on 18 April, towards the end of the holiday. As many as 77,500 passengers are expected by the airport, including around 40,000 arrivals.
The airport advises travellers to arrive on time and use the online personal travel advice page.
Passengers are further recommended to access the airport by public transport when possible. Those travelling by car are advised to reserve a parking space online.
