From Tuesday March 24, 2020 (23.59)

Charleroi, March 20, 2020 -
Our country is currently going through a major health and global crisis.
This is not without consequences for our sector and spares no player. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is no exception and has seen its number of travelers decrease as the crisis deepened.
In addition, many states close their borders and no longer allow travelers from our country to enter their territory.
Beyond the decrease in the number of passengers, the airlines have, one by one, made the decision to suspend their routes.
Consequently, Brussels South Charleroi Airport takes note of the situation and will close access to its infrastructure to passengers and airlines from Tuesday 24 March 2020, 23.59 until Sunday 5 April 2020.
Since the end of February, the number of No Shows, in other words passengers not showing boarding, has continued to increase. From an initial average of 20%, the percentage of absent today has risen to almost 90%.
Italy, the most affected European country, suffered the heaviest loss.
Since the reduction of frequencies on many routes to the north of the country, the airline Ryanair has finally decided to suspend all its international connections to / from Italy from Friday March 13, 2020 midnight, until April 08, 2020 .
This total suspension follows the Italian Government's decision to lock its borders.
Other countries then closed their borders.
Israel, Poland, Morocco and even Turkey, to name a few, have decided to ban all flights from Belgium.
This has led to an additional reduction, or even the elimination of certain routes from / to Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Finally, any trip abroad is not recommended today, resulting in an increasing number of No Shows on the lines still operated.
The situation is changing from hour to hour and the decisions of the airlines to cancel their operations to and from Belgium have come to us gradually.
Given the suspension of the majority of the flights of the various companies operating at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, the closure of several passenger services (catering, duty free, etc.) as well as the resulting socio-economic impact, the airport will close access to its infrastructure for passengers and airlines from Tuesday March 24, 2020 (23.59) until April 05, 2020, with the possibility of extending the measure beyond this period depending on the evolution of the situation.
This closure does not, however, fully apply to maintenance, state and health flights.
Today is more than ever the time for caution and vigilance.
It is essential to respect all health measures in order to contain the epidemic and that life can resume its normal course.
In this sense, Brussels South Charleroi Airport wishes to appeal to common sense and everyone's responsibility for the good of the population, of public health.
It is essential to recall good practices and convey positive messages, despite a complex situation.
In these difficult times, solidarity and unity must take precedence.
The entire staff of Brussels South Charleroi Airport would like to express their support to everyone.
Together and acting with responsibility and discipline, we will get there because behind each cloud hides a blue sky.

***