Turbulent times

The crash of the Belgian national airway corporation Sabena had a big impact. Since the biggest bankruptcy in Belgian history, roaring names such as Sobelair, Van Gaever Airlines, Virgin Express and VLM Airlines have disappeared from the departures board. Other, more exotic names such as Hainan, Thai, Qatar and Jet Airways took their place. Meanwhile, the small Walloon airport Charleroi Airport - better known as Brussels South - grew at record speed into a European hub of low-cost airlines. Ryanair saw, came and received millions of euros in subsidies. And Liège is suddenly able to handle more freight traffic than Zaventem, which experienced an identity crisis after the departure of courier service DHL.

Could Sabena have been saved? How much money disappeared from Belgium forever? Why will Brussels Airlines fly under German wings? As a passenger, which airport should you choose: Zaventem or Charleroi? Will Belgium only exist in the air, or will we soon speak of a Brussels corridor to the Walloon airspace? Aeronautical policy in Belgium: a nostalgic pastime of foreign politicians or a tough business in which Belgians no longer play a role globally?