Ostend-Bruges International Airport

Ostend-Bruges International Airport (commonly: Ostend Airport) is located in Ostend, Belgium, near the coast and about 25 km from the city centre of Bruges. Although an important proportion of the activities focuses on freight transport, it is increasingly used for passenger flights, mainly charter and holiday flights organised by the tour operators. It is also often used for private business flights.

History

During World War II The German occupier moved the airfield of Ostend-Stene to a site in the territory of the municipality of Middelkerke, five kilometres southwest of Ostend. It played a major role in the air battle with England. After the Second World War the airport of Raversijde-Middelkerke was turned into an international airport by the Department of Airways which had been established by that time.

In 1992 the regional Flemish airport was transferred to the Flemish Community

On 1 May 2003, Ryanair started a new route between Ostend and London-Stansted. The airport was given a new name: “Ostend-Bruges International Airport”. However, Ryanair stopped operating the route in December 2003.

On 23 May 2003, Mr. Gino Vanspauwen was appointed CEO/Managing Director of Ostend-Bruges International Airport by the Flemish government. He effectively took up his duties on 1 June 2003.

As CEO/Managing Director, he is responsible for all aspects of daily management, change management and strategic management of the airport (commercial, financial, human...
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