The Brussels Newsbrief
Monday, 17 August 2026
TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- Non-EU travellers face longer waits at Brussels Airport this summer. Non-EU passengers at Brussels Airport face extra long waiting times this summer.
- Families go to court over a Brussels Airport flight route. Families from Flemish Brabant are taking legal action against an air route linked to Brussels Airport.
- Woman stopped at Brussels Airport with 51 kg of cocaine in two suitcases. A woman was arrested at Brussels Airport with two suitcases containing 51 kg of cocaine.
- Brussels firefighters sent to help fight major fires in the Fagnes. Brussels firefighters have been sent as reinforcements for major fires in the Fagnes.
🌧️ Patchy rain nearby in Brussels today — between 15°C and 28°C (now 15°C).
Non-EU travellers face longer waits at Brussels Airport this summer
Non-EU passengers at Brussels Airport face extra long waiting times this summer. The delays affect border-control processing for travellers who are not EU citizens during the peak travel period.
Families go to court over a Brussels Airport flight route
Families from Flemish Brabant are taking legal action against an air route linked to Brussels Airport. The case concerns aircraft routes affecting residents near the airport.
Woman stopped at Brussels Airport with 51 kg of cocaine in two suitcases
A woman was arrested at Brussels Airport with two suitcases containing 51 kg of cocaine. The seizure took place at the airport, one of the region's main international gateways.
Brussels firefighters sent to help fight major fires in the Fagnes
Brussels firefighters have been sent as reinforcements for major fires in the Fagnes. A Brussels fire engine was also deployed to support the response.
Heat hits harvests and pushes prices upward
Strong heat has damaged harvests and contributed to rising prices. The impact links the recent hot weather to pressure on agricultural production and consumer costs.
Rain returns to Brussels with more seasonal temperatures
Rain is returning to Brussels this Monday, along with temperatures closer to the season's normal range. Today's conditions include patchy rain nearby, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C.
Brussels Dance Festival brings shows, battles and workshops downtown
The Brussels Dance Festival is animating the city centre with performances, battles and workshops. The programme puts dance activity directly in central Brussels.