Брюссель. Travel digest

Tirana ranks 74th in Europe with 59.9 points in the 2026 Safety Index published by Numbeo, the world's largest crowd-sourced database for cost of living, property prices, and quality of life statistics, placing the Albanian capital at a moderate level of safety among 115 cities surveyed.

Regionally, Belgrade (62.2 points) and Sofia (61.4 points) rank slightly higher, while Tirana scores

Representatives of ACI Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have warned that the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to generate substantial passenger delays. Without prompt corrective measures, they anticipate severe disruptions during the summer peak, with waiting times potentially exceeding four hours.

In a letter

Airlines for Europe (A4E), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed deep concern about the European Parliament’s renewed push to dilute the EU261 air‑passenger‑rights regulation.

The Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) voted to keep its most demanding proposals for overhauling EU261, despite

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to investigate how the EU Flight Emissions Label can be linked with IATA’s sustainability data platform, EcoHub, and its CO₂ Connect calculator.

The partnership aims to make carbon‑emission information for flights readily available

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has voiced strong concern that the European Parliament’s latest proposals to amend the EU261 passenger‑rights regulation will deepen existing flaws, raise costs for both travellers and airlines, and fail to address the core issues passengers care about.

The shortcomings of EU261 have been recognised for years. In June, European governments

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 2025 edition of the Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) conference will be hosted in Brussels, Belgium, on 18‑19 November. The event, organized by Brussels Airlines, will centre on the twin challenges of aviation competitiveness and sustainability, aiming to place these issues directly in front of European decision‑makers.

“Holding

The prestigious Cercle Royal Gaulois in Brussels hosted a gala dedicated to Moldovan wine, gastronomy and culture, gathering diplomats, EU officials, business leaders and members of the Royal Circle.

Guests enjoyed selections from the renowned Purcari Winery, a menu prepared by a chef of Romanian origin, and performances by the Concertino quartet of the National Philharmonic.

Brussels offers a vibrant programme of events this autumn, perfect for both residents and short‑term visitors who want to experience the city’s lively cultural and nightlife scene.

Brussels is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes. The city’s streets blend medieval ruins, Art Nouveau façades, modern constructions and occasional surprises, offering a rich visual experience.

The Royal Quarter is the cultural heart of the capital. Highlights include:

Brussels boasts a vibrant scene of artisanal ice‑cream makers who combine high‑quality ingredients with inventive flavours such as basil, candied chestnut, or even smurf‑coloured sorbet. Whether you are looking for a classic scoop, a vegan alternative, or a creative dessert, the city offers a wide selection of venues.

Located on Rue du Bailly, Bisou is a stylish all‑day

Brussels has become a culinary hotspot, thanks to a series of vibrant food markets that gather a wide range of eateries in historic and architecturally striking venues. Below is a quick guide to five of the city’s most popular markets.

Located in a former bank building between the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and the Monnaie, Wolf offers around

Jacques Brel, the legendary Belgian singer‑songwriter, is a living emblem of Brussels’ cultural soul. His powerful voice, theatrical performances and outspoken lyrics earned him worldwide fame and inspired generations of artists.

Born on 8 April 1929 in Schaerbeek, Brel grew up in a middle‑class Catholic family. After a modest school career and the

Looking for fresh places that are reshaping the capital’s cultural life? In 2024‑2025 a series of new venues have opened across Brussels – from contemporary galleries to inventive third‑places and hybrid concepts. Below is a selection of the most striking locations.

Located a short walk from the larger Reset venue and the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint

Minor Hotels’ dynamic nhow brand is rolling out a new initiative called the “Dance nhow Tour”, which is part of the broader “dance nhow, change now” campaign.

The tour transforms nhow hotels into stages for guided silent‑disco sessions that combine wireless headphones, immersive electronic music, breathing exercises, active meditation and unrestricted dancing.

Each event

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Thomas Reynaert will assume the role of Senior Vice President, External Affairs, effective 1 September 2025. He will lead the organisation’s worldwide advocacy activities from the Brussels office.

Reynaert arrives from IBM, where he served as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Europe,

Cathay Pacific has restarted flights between Hong Kong and Brussels for the first time since 2020.

The Asian carrier is operating the Hong Kong-Brussels route four times per week using Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are fitted with business, premium economy and economy cabins.

Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer, said: “We are very pleased to be back

International rail operator Eurostar has reopened its Premier lounges in Paris and Brussels following renovation works.

Each lounge now features locally-inspired design elements with a dedicated bar, additional seating areas and self-serve tea and coffee-making facilities. Complimentary snacks and magazines are also on offer.

The lounges are open daily from 6:00am to 9:30pm for

Airports in Belgium are bracing for major service disruptions tomorrow, Tuesday 29 April, amid a nationwide strike of both private and public sector workers.

Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport have warned travellers to expect cancellations and delays, particularly for departing flights.

The walk-out has been organised by Belgian trade unions CVC/ACV and FGTB/ABVV to protest

Air travel to and from Belgium is set to be severely disrupted next Monday (31 March) as unions hold another one-day national strike.

Brussels Airport said it has decided to cancel all departing flights on 31 March after consulting with airlines, due to the planned walkout by security staff and ground handlers.

The airport also warned that cancellations were “also possible” for