Overview of Liège Airport
Liège Airport, also known as Liege-Bierset Airport, is located in the Walloon region of Belgium. It is one of the busiest airports in the country and serves as a hub for both cargo and passenger flights. The airport is situated approximately 5 km west of the city of Liege and covers an area of over 900 hectares.
Liège Airport has a long and rich history, having been used as a military airfield during World War II. After the war, it was converted to a civilian airport and has since undergone several expansions and upgrades. Today, the airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, with two runways and multiple terminals.
The airport is primarily known for its cargo operations, with a large portion of its traffic consisting of freight flights. It is one of the leading cargo airports in Europe, handling over 870,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Major cargo carriers such as DHL, TNT, and FedEx operate out of Liège Airport, taking advantage of its strategic location and excellent transport links.
In addition to its cargo operations, Liège Airport also handles a significant number of passenger flights. Airlines such as Ryanair, TUI fly, and Air Arabia Maroc offer regular flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. The airport has seen steady growth in passenger traffic in recent years, with over 1.9 million passengers passing through its doors in 2019.
Overall, Liège Airport is a vital transportation hub, serving as a gateway for both goods and passengers. Its strategic location, modern facilities, and efficient operations make it a key player in the global aviation industry.
Exploring the Terminals of Liège Airport
Liège Airport, also known as Liege-Bierset Airport, is one of the largest and busiest airports in Belgium. The airport boasts multiple terminals that cater to the needs of both passengers and cargo operators.
Terminal 1 is primarily used for commercial passenger flights, serving airlines such as Ryanair, Air Arabia Maroc, TUI fly Belgium, and more. It features a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes. The terminal also has a dedicated area for lounges where passengers can relax before their flights.
Terminal 2 is exclusively dedicated to cargo operations and is one of the most important cargo hubs in Europe. It covers an area of over 20 hectares and houses state-of-the-art facilities for customs clearance, handling, and storage of goods. The terminal supports a wide range of cargo types, including perishables, pharma, dangerous goods, and live animals.
In addition to the two main terminals, Liège Airport also has a General Aviation Terminal, which caters to private and business jets. This terminal offers a range of services, including VIP lounges, car rental, and aircraft maintenance.
All three terminals at Liège Airport are designed to offer a seamless travel experience, from check-in to boarding. The airport prides itself on its efficient and friendly staff, who are always on hand to assist passengers with any queries or needs they may have.
Overall, the terminals at Liège Airport reflect the airport’s commitment to providing top-notch services to its customers. Whether you’re a passenger, cargo operator, or private jet owner, there’s always something here that caters to your needs.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Liège Airport: Ryanair, Air Corsica, ASL Airlines Belgium, TUI fly Belgium, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, and Qatar Airways Cargo.
Ryanair flies to Alicante, Budapest, Faro, Krakow, Malaga, Marrakesh, Palma de Mallorca, Porto, Seville, Tenerife, and Valencia.
Air Corsica flies to Bastia and Ajaccio in Corsica, France.
ASL Airlines Belgium operates to Algiers, Tel Aviv, and Hurghada.
TUI fly Belgium flies to Agadir, Alicante, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife.
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo offer various cargo flights to different international destinations.
Note that certain routes may be seasonal or subject to changes, it is important to check with the airline for the most up-to-date information.
Transportation Options at Liège Airport
Liège Airport offers a variety of transportation options to travelers arriving or departing from the airport. One of the most common ways to reach the city is by shuttle bus, which provides a quick and convenient way to reach your destination.
If you prefer to rent a car, several car rental agencies are located at the airport. These include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, and Sixt. Reservations can be made in advance, or you can rent a car upon arrival at the airport.
Another option is to take a shuttle bus to the train station, where you can catch a train to your final destination. The shuttle bus runs every hour between the airport and the Liège-Guillemins train station, which is located in the heart of the city. From there, you can take a train to Brussels, Antwerp, or other destinations in Belgium.
If you prefer to travel by public transportation, several bus lines serve the airport, including the TEC Liege-Verviers bus line. This bus line connects the airport with several destinations in the Liège area, including the city center, the Guillemins train station, and the Sart-Tilman University Hospital.
In addition to these options, taxis are available outside the terminal building. These taxis are metered, so the fare depends on the distance traveled. It’s always a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before getting into the taxi.
Overall, there are many transportation options available at Liège Airport, making it easy to travel to and from the airport. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or use public transportation, there is an option that will suit your needs. So the next time you fly into or out of Liège Airport, you can rest assured that you’ll have plenty of transportation choices to get you where you need to go.
Parking Options at Liège Airport
Liège Airport offers multiple parking options for travelers, including a drop-off and pick-up zone, a short-term parking lot, and long-term parking areas.
The drop-off and pick-up zone is located in front of the terminal building and is intended for quick stops. It is free for the first 15 minutes, and after that, the rate is €1 per additional 15-minute period.
The short-term parking lot is located just a few steps away from the terminal building and is perfect for those who plan to park for a few hours. The rate is €3 for the first hour, €5 for two hours, and €7 for three hours. Each additional hour costs €2.
For longer stays, there are various long-term parking areas available. P2 and P3 are uncovered parking lots and are situated a bit further from the terminal. The rates range from €4 for the first hour, €6 for two hours, and €10 for four hours to €30 for one week, €45 for two weeks, and €55 for three weeks.
P1 is a covered parking garage located closest to the terminal building. The rates are slightly higher, going from €4.50 for the first hour, €9 for two hours, and €13.50 for three hours, but it is convenient for travelers with heavy luggage or in unfavorable weather conditions. The weekly rate is €70, with discounts for longer stays.
With these multiple parking options, passengers can choose the one that fits their needs and budget best.
Check-In Procedures at Liège Airport
Liège Airport offers multiple options for check-in, including online, self-service, and traditional methods. Passengers can check-in online up to 24 hours before their flight, selecting their preferred seats and printing their boarding passes from the comfort of their own home. This method is particularly convenient for those with carry-on luggage only.
Self-service kiosks are also available in the departures hall, allowing passengers to check-in, print their boarding passes, and even drop off luggage if needed. These kiosks are easy to use and can save time for those who do not require assistance from airport staff.
For those who prefer a more traditional check-in experience, there are several check-in desks located throughout the airport. Here, passengers can receive assistance from friendly airport staff, who will be happy to answer any questions and assist with luggage check-in.
Regardless of the check-in method chosen, it is important to arrive at the airport early to allow time for any unexpected delays or queues. Passengers should also ensure they have all necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas, with them when checking in. By following these simple steps, passengers can enjoy a stress-free check-in experience at Liège Airport.
Security Measures and Tips at Liège Airport
Liège airport takes security measures very seriously, and passengers are required to go through strict security checks before boarding. These procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all travelers.
To make your security check as smooth as possible, there are a few tips you can follow. First, arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight. This will allow you to go through security without feeling rushed or stressed.
Next, make sure you have all necessary documents and identification on hand. Keep your liquids and electronics easily accessible to speed up the screening process. Remember, any liquids you’re carrying must be under 100 ml and placed in a clear, plastic bag.
Lastly, be patient and cooperative with the security staff. They are just doing their job, and it’s important to respect their authority and follow their instructions. By following these tips, you’ll have a stress-free security check and a more enjoyable travel experience overall.
Customs and Immigration Process at Liège Airport
Upon arriving at Liège Airport, passengers will need to pass through passport control and customs. European Union nationals can use the EU/EEA passport lanes, while non-EU nationals will need to queue in the non-EU passport lanes.
Passengers will need to present their passport and visa (if required) to the border control officer, who will stamp the passport and grant entry to the country if all requirements are met. After passport control, passengers will collect their luggage and head to the customs area, where they may need to declare any goods they are carrying.
For departing passengers, the process is similar. Passengers will need to check-in for their flight, pass through security screening, and then proceed to passport control. They will need to present their passport and boarding pass to an officer who will stamp the passport and allow passage through to the departure lounge.
Once in the departure lounge, passengers have access to duty-free shops and other amenities before boarding their flight.
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafes offering a variety of food and beverages
- Duty-free shops for last-minute shopping
- Newspaper and magazine stands for travelers to catch up on news or entertainment
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- ATMs and currency exchange services for financial needs
- Medical and first aid services for emergencies
- Lost and found office for items left behind
- Children’s play area to keep young ones entertained during layovers
Accessibility Services
Liège Airport provides a range of facilities and services to ensure passengers with disabilities or mobility issues can comfortably travel through the airport.
These include reserved parking spaces, wheelchair accessibility, and assistance from trained staff throughout the airport.
Passengers can also pre-arrange special assistance, such as boarding and disembarking, and accessible seating on their flight.
For more information on these services, passengers are advised to contact their airline or the airport directly.
Connecting Flights at Liège Airport
When connecting through Liège Airport, passengers will need to follow a few simple steps to ensure they make their flight on time. Firstly, it’s important to have enough time between flights – at least two hours is recommended, as this will allow for any potential delays or unexpected events.
Passengers should also check the departure gate of their connecting flight as soon as possible, and familiarize themselves with the airport layout to ensure they know where they need to go. It’s also advisable to pack light and avoid checking in baggage if possible, as this can slow down the process of moving between flights.
Finally, when arriving at Liège Airport, passengers should follow the signs for connecting flights and proceed to the designated gate. If there are any issues or concerns, it’s always best to speak to a member of staff who will be able to assist. With these tips in mind, passengers can relax and enjoy a seamless journey through Liège Airport.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival at Liège Airport, passengers can proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their checked luggage. Baggage carousels are clearly marked and numbered for easy identification.
In the event that a passenger’s luggage is lost or damaged, they should immediately report it to the baggage service desk located in the baggage claim area. Passengers will be asked to fill out a report with details about their missing or damaged items, as well as their contact information.
The airport staff will then begin a search for the missing luggage using a tracking system. If the luggage is found, the airport will arrange to have it delivered to the passenger. If the luggage is not found within a certain period of time, the passenger may be eligible for compensation.
Additionally, if a passenger finds lost property within the airport, they can turn it in to the lost and found office located in the baggage claim area. The item will be recorded and held for a certain period of time in case the owner comes forward to claim it.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
Liège Airport is equipped with various emergency procedures and medical facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and employees. In case of an emergency, trained personnel are available 24/7 to provide first aid and handle any urgent situations. The airport also has a dedicated fire department that can respond immediately in case of a fire or other hazards.
Furthermore, Liège Airport has a medical center located within the terminal building. This facility is staffed by experienced medical professionals who can provide medical assistance and treatment for a range of conditions. In addition to the medical center, the airport also has several defibrillators strategically placed throughout the terminals for quick access in case of cardiac emergencies.
Overall, Liège Airport takes every measure to ensure the highest level of safety and medical care for all passengers and personnel.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotels available within or near Liège Airport for travelers’ convenience. The closest hotel to the airport is the Park Inn by Radisson Liège Airport, which is only 0.1 km away.
Other options include the ibis budget Liège, located 2.6 km from the airport, and Hotel de la Couronne Liege, which is 3 km away. For those looking for a bit more luxury, the Crowne Plaza Liège and the Ramada Plaza Liège City Center are both approximately 5 km from the airport.
All of these hotels offer comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and easy access to the airport and surrounding area.
Useful Tips:
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your time at Liège Airport.
Firstly, make sure to arrive early, as the airport can get busy during peak travel times.
Secondly, consider using the Fast Track service to speed through security and avoid long queues.
Thirdly, if you have time to spare before your flight, check out the airport’s shopping and dining options – there are plenty of great choices available.
Fourthly, if you need to get some work done or just want to relax, head to the lounge area where you can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
Lastly, keep an eye on the departure boards to stay up-to-date with any changes to your flight schedule.
Contact Information
– Airport Information Desk: +32 42 86 00 00
– Lost and Found: +32 4 234 84 11 or [email protected]
– Customer Service: +32 42 86 00 00 or [email protected]
– Customs: +32 4 234 84 08 or [email protected]
– Police: +32 4 225 91 11 or [email protected]
– Medical Services: +32 4 234 84 30 or [email protected]
– Disabled Services: +32 4 234 83 77 or [email protected]
Other Airports near Liège Airport
If you’re looking for alternative flight options, there are a few airports near Liège Airport that you might want to consider:
1. Brussels Airport (71 km): This is Belgium’s main airport and is well-connected to Liège Airport via a direct train that takes about an hour. You can also take a taxi or rent a car.
2. Maastricht Aachen Airport (41 km): Located across the border in the Netherlands, this airport is about a 40-minute drive from Liège Airport. You can take a taxi or rent a car to get there.
3. Charleroi Airport (94 km): Although it is a bit farther away, Charleroi Airport is another option to consider. You can take a direct train from Liège-Guillemins Station to Charleroi-Sud Station, which takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a car.
Keep in mind that transportation times and costs will vary depending on your method of travel and the time of day. Be sure to factor in extra time if you have to clear customs or collect your luggage at a different airport before continuing your journey.