Zaventem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Infrabel is renovating Zaventem and Brussels Airport tracks in Nov–Dec 2025, replacing 1,200 meters of rails, 800 meters of track, sleepers, and 5 switches, reducing NMBS/SNCB train services.
As VRT News reported, Infrabel has started major track work in Zaventem, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, and at Brussels Airport. This is the second phase of a large-scale infrastructure upgrade. After initial preparations, construction will continue for 25 days, from November 15, 2025, to December 9, 2025. The final work is planned for the weekend of December 13-14, 2025. The renovation includes removing and re-pouring concrete at key track switches.
How will Infrabel’s track work affect train traffic to Brussels Airport and Zaventem?
The project has been coordinated with NMBS/SNCB and the Brussels Airport Company to reduce disruption. During the works, limited train traffic will be needed. Passengers are advised to check schedules in advance. Infrabel emphasises that the renovation is necessary to maintain safe operations and improve the efficiency of train services connecting Brussels Airport and the surrounding region.
Officials mentioned that access to Brussels Airport-Zaventem station will be limited during the ongoing track renovation. Passengers will only be able to enter the station from the north side of the tunnel. Train services will run less frequently on the weekends of November 22-23, 29-30, 20254, December 6-7, 2025 and December 13-14, 2025. Weekday schedules will also be adjusted from November 17, 2025, to December 9, 2025.
According to officials, the disruptions affect some routes more than others. Direct trains from Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, and the European Quarter will continue to run but with fewer departures. Passengers travelling from Namur, Hasselt, Leuven, and Liège will temporarily be without direct connections and must change trains at Brussels-North.
An alternative is to use De Lijn buses from Zaventem (Dor) station. Train tickets are valid for these buses, which include lines R26 and 82. The buses run several times per hour and take about 6 minutes to reach the airport. NMBS advises passengers to plan, allow extra travel time, and check the online journey planner for updated train services and real-time bus schedules.
Belgium has made upgrades to its rail network for many years to keep train services safe and secure. In 2001, upgrades were completed to congested routes (Brussels and Antwerp) with the replacement of old rails and switches.
In 2011, countrywide projects taking place in junctions across the country were focused on the replacement of its concrete sleepers and improving on-train reliability. In 2020-2021, Infrabel upgraded the tracks and platforms at Brussels Airport station to increase the capacity for more passengers.