Flying as a wheelchair user is substantially different from flying as a general passenger — the PRM procedure (Person with Reduced Mobility) requires pre-registration, picking up assistance, and specific handling of your wheelchair. Under EU Regulation 1107/2006, full access is guaranteed at no extra cost — an important right that many travellers don't know about.
In this guide: the 4 Belgian airports with their specific PRM procedures, plus practical tips for those travelling internationally with a wheelchair.
The basics: EU Regulation 1107/2006
Under EU Regulation 1107/2006 (applicable to all EU airports):
- Full access for PRM passengers — no discrimination
- No extra cost for PRM assistance
- Up to 2 mobility aids (wheelchairs, crutches) free transport in cabin or cargo
- Medical equipment transported free of charge
For non-EU flights (e.g. Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines): explicitly ask for disability assistance at booking and verify that it's included.
✈️ Brussels Airport (BRU)
The largest Belgian airport, with the most fully developed PRM procedure.
Pre-registration
- Minimum 48 hours in advance with your airline or travel agent
- Online assistance request via brusselsairport.be
- If less than 48h in advance: priority goes to 48h requests but the airport will still try to help
On arrival at the airport
- Special Assistance desk is located opposite check-in row 1 (Departures level)
- Staff escort you with wheelchair or cart to the gate
- Your own wheelchair may go with you through security and passport control to the boarding gate
- On return: wheelchair is delivered directly at the gate from cargo
Practical
- Adapted toilets on every floor of Departures and Arrivals
- Adapted parking in every parking building with PRM spaces close to entrances
- Train connection Brussels Airport (BRU) → Brussels Central (17 min, NMBS (Belgian Railways)) with lift to platform
✈️ Charleroi Airport (CRL — Brussels South)
Second largest airport in Belgium, mainly budget flights (Ryanair). The PRM procedure works differently:
Pre-registration
- 48 hours in advance with your airline
- Confirmation via brussels-charleroi-airport.com/en/pmr
On arrival
- PRM desk in the main terminal
- Escort from desk to gate
- Charleroi-Sud station via taxi or bus — not all bus shuttles are adapted
Practical
- Connection to Charleroi-Sud station via adapted taxi (15 min) or bus 17 (partially adapted)
✈️ Antwerp Airport (ANR)
Regional airport in Deurne (Antwerp). Limited commercial flights but important business aviation. PRM procedure via 48h pre-registration with the airline. Adapted parking and toilets in the terminal. Connection to Antwerp-Central via bus 51 (low-floor).
✈️ Liège Airport (LGG)
Cargo airport with limited passenger flights. PRM via pre-registration. Connection via taxi or bus to Liège-Guillemins station.
Practical tips for PRM flying
Book assistance ONE day earlier than the minimum. Officially 48 hours in advance, but 72 hours gives better capacity allocation. Book for outbound + return.
Print your confirmation email. Keep a paper copy of the assistance confirmation — it's sometimes requested by desk staff.
Be early at the airport. For PRM flying allow 3 hours in advance for international, 2 hours for EU domestic. The assistance procedure takes extra time.
Photo documentation of your wheelchair. Take photos of your wheelchair (all angles, battery specs, foldability) before you check it in — useful for any damage claims after the flight.
Ask for an aisle chair for in the plane. If you can't walk independently to your seat: ask the assistance desk for an aisle chair (narrow wheelchair) for the aisle inside the plane. Mandatory under EU law.
For international connections: allow at least 90 minutes between flights if you are a wheelchair user. Short transfer times are risky.
Wheelchair damage compensation: under EU law you are entitled to compensation up to €1620 for damage to your wheelchair during the flight. Keep photos and the damage report notification.
Final thoughts
Belgian airports — especially Brussels Airport — are well equipped for PRM passengers, with reliable assistance procedures and EU-anchored rights. The difference between a stressful flight experience and a smooth transfer mainly lies in the pre-registration (48 hours), the early arrival (3 hours in advance for international), and knowing your EU rights (no extra cost, 2 mobility aids free, aisle chair on request).
Do you have an experience with PRM assistance at a Belgian airport we should include? Let us know — first-hand info about desk staff, transfer times and specific facilities helps enormously.