Brussels Airport, Liege Airport and Ostend-Bruges Airport have launched a joint initiative to standardise and digitise customs declaration processes for air cargo operations, marking a significant step towards creating a more integrated and efficient logistics ecosystem across Belgium.
The collaboration will allow cargo operators to uniformly exchange import, export and transit customs declarations with Belgian customs authorities through harmonised airport community data platforms, supporting faster processing, improved transparency and streamlined trade flows.
The project is being coordinated by Air Cargo Belgium, which represents cargo companies operating at Brussels Airport and Liege Airport, while Ostend-Bruges Airport has also joined the initiative as part of the nationwide digital integration effort.
The unified customs framework is expected to become operational before the end of 2026 following further platform development and system integration work in the coming months.
Unified Digital Customs Platform for Cargo Operators
Under the initiative, cargo companies operating at Brussels and Liege airports will be able to digitally submit Temporary Storage Declarations through dedicated portals integrated into the airports’ community data platforms.
The systems will provide standardised interfaces enabling the uniform exchange of customs declarations between cargo operators and Belgian customs authorities for import, export and transit shipments.
Each airport platform will also maintain direct electronic connectivity with customs systems for declaration processing, monitoring and compliance management. Notifications and responses from customs offices will subsequently be transmitted back to companies through the same digital portals.
Industry stakeholders believe the initiative will significantly simplify customs procedures by creating a harmonised operating environment across multiple Belgian cargo gateways.
The airports said the standardised approach will not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen Belgium’s competitiveness as an international logistics and trade hub.
“One uniform way of working across different airports will make it even easier and more attractive for foreign companies to import and export through Belgian airports,” the airports stated in a joint announcement.
Supporting Europe’s Transition to Digital Customs
The project comes as the European Union accelerates its transition towards a fully electronic customs environment under the Multi-Annual Strategic Plan for electronic Customs (MASP-C).
MASP-C forms part of the EU’s broader customs modernisation programme aimed at improving digital interoperability, reducing administrative burdens and strengthening customs compliance across member states.
Through the new airport community platforms, Belgian cargo operators will be able to align more effectively with ongoing European customs digitalisation initiatives while preparing for future electronic customs requirements at EU level.
Currently, parts of the customs declaration process within Belgium’s air cargo sector still rely on older electronic systems and fragmented workflows. The new integrated framework is expected to reduce duplication, improve data visibility and support faster cargo clearance processes.
Industry analysts note that digital customs integration has become increasingly important for major air cargo hubs as global trade volumes grow and supply chains become more time-sensitive and compliance-driven.
Strengthening Belgium’s Position as a European Cargo Hub
Belgium occupies a strategic position within Europe’s logistics network, supported by its central location, advanced transport infrastructure and strong connectivity to major European industrial and consumer markets.
Brussels Airport and Liege Airport are among Europe’s key air cargo gateways, with Liege in particular recognised as one of the continent’s leading dedicated cargo airports.
The collaboration between the three airports represents a rare example of coordinated national-level digital integration within the aviation cargo sector, reflecting growing recognition that operational harmonisation can strengthen competitiveness across the wider logistics ecosystem.
Arnaud Feist, Chief Executive Officer of Brussels Airport, said the initiative aligns closely with the airport’s broader cargo digitalisation strategy.
“The development of this new digital integration is fully in line with our strategy to further strengthen the efficiency of air cargo operations through innovative and digital solutions,” Feist stated.
“At the same time, we are contributing to a unified approach at the Belgian level, making Brussels Airport and our country even more interesting as a logistics hub for international trade.”
Laurent Jossart, Chief Executive Officer of Liege Airport, highlighted the importance of digital innovation and collaboration in supporting future cargo growth.
“This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to strengthen Belgium’s position as a leading European logistics hub,” Jossart said.
“At Liege Airport, we strongly believe in digital innovation and seamless cooperation across the cargo ecosystem to improve transparency, efficiency and compliance in international trade flows.”
Building a More Connected Cargo Ecosystem
The move reflects broader changes taking place across the global air cargo industry, where airports, airlines, freight forwarders and customs authorities are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure to support more resilient and transparent supply chains.
Airport community systems and integrated customs platforms are becoming central to efforts aimed at reducing cargo dwell times, improving operational visibility and enabling real-time information exchange between stakeholders.
Industry experts believe Belgium’s collaborative model could serve as an example for other European cargo markets seeking to create more unified digital customs environments across multiple airports and logistics gateways.
As the project progresses towards full implementation, the initiative is expected to further enhance Belgium’s attractiveness for international cargo operators seeking efficient, digitally enabled trade and logistics solutions within Europe.
