BELGIUM. Brussels Airport has outlined plans for a landmark food & beverage concession tender that will see its entire dining programme reimagined for the first time in decades, with all existing contracts set to expire in 2029.
Speaking at the ongoing 2026 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference and Awards (follow our rolling coverage here), held at the Taj Bangalore in Bengaluru, Brussels Airport Food & Beverage Manager Michiel Arnouts revealed details of the ambitious programme, describing it as a “unique opportunity to completely reshape” the airport’s F&B offer.
Brussels Airport currently serves 183 destinations through 70 airlines and welcomed 24.4 million passengers in 2025.
Operating from a single terminal with two piers, the airport’s commercial estate comprises 82 outlets, including 47 retail stores and 35 food & beverage units.
Arnouts highlighted the hub’s strong Belgian identity, noting that it sells 1.5kg of Belgian chocolates every minute – a world record – alongside around 2,200 beers each day.
With all existing F&B concessions due to end in 2029, Brussels Airport will bring every food & beverage unit to market simultaneously, alongside additional locations created through future developments, Arnouts revealed.
“For the first time in decades we have this opportunity to completely reshape the full airport experience,” Arnouts said. “It’s something we take seriously. We want to make sure that we are ready for the future, looking at more data-driven passenger profiles, looking at Gen Z and the specific expectations travellers are going to have.”
Rather than simply preparing a conventional tender, Brussels Airport has adopted a collaborative approach to designing the future programme. Arnouts explained that the airport first worked with consultancy PT&M to develop the project, following a two-stage process that combined the airport’s commercial strategy with extensive industry consultation.
The airport’s commercial vision is built around three strategic pillars: Belgian authenticity, experiences and inclusivity.
Inclusivity also forms a central element of the strategy, extending beyond menu choice to multilingual customer service and ensuring outlets remain accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
Underpinning the entire programme, Arnouts said, are the twin priorities of operational efficiency and sustainability.
To refine the tender structure, Brussels Airport sought detailed feedback from across the industry before formally launching the process. Through outreach supported by The Moodie Davitt Report, the airport invited prospective operators to review detailed tender proposals, including commercial terms, revenue-sharing arrangements, contract structures and timelines.
The airport also consulted directly with restaurant brands to better understand their expectations of airport landlords and explored best practice with airports across Europe and internationally.
Arnouts said the extensive consultation had helped shape what Brussels Airport believes will be a stronger concession programme.
The formal tender process will begin in the first quarter of 2027, with publication of the concession opportunity across official procurement platforms.
Offer submissions are scheduled for the third quarter of 2027, with contract awards expected in the first quarter of 2028 ahead of the new concession programme commencing in the first quarter of 2029.
“I’m very excited,” Arnouts concluded. “If you have any more interest to learn more or share ideas, please feel free to reach out or come and talk to me.” ✈
TENDER ALERTThe Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport or other travel-related infrastructure revenues, simply email Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com. We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest, most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately. The Moodie Davitt Report is the only international business media to cover all airport or other travel-related consumer services, revenue-generating and otherwise. Our reporting includes duty-free and other retail, food & beverage, property, lounges and other hospitality services, art and culture, hotels, car parking, medical facilities, advertising and other related revenue streams. Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage. |
