Sabena Air Terminus

Amidst the bustling cityscape, the Sabena Air Terminus stands as a relic of a bygone era. This imposing functionalist building, designed by Maxime Brunfaut, holds a special place in Brussels’ history. The Sabena Air Terminus opened its doors in 1954, a time when air travel was an exciting new frontier. Imagine a time before online check-in, when the Sabena Air Terminus served as the central check-in point for passengers flying out of Zaventem Airport. Travelers would arrive at this bustling hub, their luggage in tow, ready to embark on their journeys. The Sabena Air Terminus provided a seamless connection to the airport via a dedicated underground link to Brussels Central Station. From there, a special train departed every 15 minutes, whisking passengers directly to the airport in a mere 16 minutes. The Sabena Air Terminus wasn’t just a departure hall. It also housed the offices of the Sabena airline, a symbol of Belgian pride and innovation. The building itself, constructed above the North-South railway connection, showcases Brunfaut’s modernist vision. The concrete skeleton, clad in Portland stone and glass, exudes a sense of timeless elegance. The corner rotunda, perched at the intersection of Keizerinlaan and Kardinaal Mercierstraat, is a striking architectural feature. So too is the elliptical, glazed extension facing Central Station, a beacon of modernity. Sabena’s time at the terminus came to an end in 1994. After a renovation, the Sabena Air Terminus was transformed into office space, a testament to its adaptability and enduring presence. Today, businesses like Boston Consulting Group, Europabank, and Isabel occupy its spaces, carrying on the legacy of this remarkable building. The Sabena Air Terminus stands not only as a witness to the evolution of air travel but also to the ever-changing landscape of Brussels.