Brussels Airport has begun renovating the passenger boarding bridges in Pier A, the terminal serving Schengen flights. All 33 bridges will be upgraded by 2031 in a project representing an investment of approximately €25m (US$29m).
The oldest bridges date from 2002, when the pier entered service. After nearly 25 years of daily use, the airport says several technical and structural components need to be renewed. Each bridge has been individually assessed to determine which components require refurbishment or replacement.
The bridges will be fitted with a new control system and additional sensors, which the airport says will enable ground handling teams to work more efficiently. Floors, windows and other components will also be renewed where necessary. Once the project is complete, the airport says the bridges will be ready for at least another 15 years of operation while continuing to meet all applicable safety and operational standards.
The work is being carried out in phases to limit the impact on passengers and airport operations. No more than three bridges will be renovated at the same time, and no more than two will be out of service simultaneously during the summer season, when passenger volumes are higher.
The moveable sections of the bridges will be detached from the pier and transported to the manufacturer. After several months of refurbishment, depending on the scope of work, each bridge will be returned to Brussels Airport and reinstalled.
In related news, Port of Seattle approves funding for SEA’s US$2.5bn S Concourse renovation
