Hasselt Airport

Hasselt Airport (also known as Kiewit Airfield) is not your typical air gateway with the roar of turbines and the bustle of passenger terminals. Located in the green province of Limburg, it is a cozy airfield dedicated to leisure and private aviation. It is a place where a passion for flying meets the tranquil atmosphere of the Belgian countryside, offering unique opportunities for aviation enthusiasts and those wishing to see the world from a bird's-eye view.

Instead of regular commercial flights, Kiewit Airfield specializes in private flights, pilot training, and glider flying, making it a hub for the local flying club. Its grass runway and friendly environment create a completely different aviation experience—more personal and accessible.

The main feature of Hasselt Airport lies in its niche specialization. It is the ideal place not for commercial travelers, but for those dreaming of learning to fly a plane or glider. The Aeroclub Kiewit is based here, managing the airfield and organizing introductory flights, providing a rare opportunity to enjoy views of Limburg from the air. Thanks to its status, the airport offers a calm and informal atmosphere, unlike large international hubs, making it an excellent choice for private pilots and air sports enthusiasts.

Below you will find contact information for Hasselt Airport (QHA), also known as Kiewit Airfield (Vliegveld Kiewit), located near the city of Zonhoven.

• Official Website: vliegveldkiewit.be
• Help Desk Phone: +32 11 26 21 00
• Airport Address: Luchtvaartstraat 100, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
• Email: info@vliegveldkiewit.be
• Social Media: You can follow news and events of the airfield on its official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: Please note that Hasselt Airport is an airfield for small aviation and does not serve major commercial airlines. For issues related to items lost on the premises, it is recommended to contact the administration directly via the phone or email provided above.

Before planning your route to Hasselt Airport, it is important to understand that this is a small regional airfield (also known as Vliegveld Kiewit), located in the municipality of Zonhoven. It primarily serves private aviation, gliding, and flight schools, rather than scheduled commercial flights. If you are flying to or from Belgium on a regular flight, you likely need one of the major international airports nearby, such as Brussels Airport (BRU), Liège Airport (LGG), or Eindhoven (EIN) in the neighboring Netherlands.

The most convenient and fastest way to reach Hasselt Airfield is by car. A trip from Hasselt city center will take just 10–15 minutes. You can use taxi services, which will be a quick and hassle-free option, especially if you are traveling with luggage. The cost of a trip from central Hasselt will be moderate. Another excellent option is car rental, which gives you the freedom to travel throughout the Limburg region. Rental locations are available both in Hasselt itself and at major airports where international flights arrive.

For budget-conscious travelers, there is an option to arrive by public transport. Buses from the De Lijn company run from Hasselt railway station. Look for routes that stop near the airfield, for example, at the "Kiewit Vliegveld" stop. From there, you can walk to the terminal in a few minutes. The total travel time by bus will be about 20–30 minutes. This is the most economical way, although less convenient than traveling by car. It is important to know that there is no direct train or metro connection to the airfield.

One of the advantages of a small airfield is the simple and usually free parking located right at the entrance. If you arrive in your own or a rented car, you won't have to worry about finding a space or high fees. Thus, a car or taxi are the most recommended ways to get to Hasselt Airfield, ensuring comfort and speed. Always check before your trip exactly which airport you are heading to in order to avoid misunderstandings.

Hasselt Airport (QHA) is a small regional airfield that primarily serves private and business aviation, as well as flight schools. Its infrastructure differs significantly from large international airports, making it convenient and fast for a specific category of travelers.

In fact, Hasselt Airport operates with one main building that functions as the terminal. There is no division into multiple terminals as seen in large aviation hubs. All infrastructure is compactly located in one place, completely eliminating the need for transfers between terminals or the use of shuttles.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall, where all necessary zones are combined. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into large halls—often they are the same space or adjacent rooms. Navigation is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible. All counters and exits are within sight.

The main advantage of such a layout is the minimal time required for formalities. Flight check-in and security procedures (if required for your type of flight) take mere minutes. You will not have to stand in long queues, which is especially appreciated by business aviation passengers. The main recommendation for navigation is to simply follow the signs, of which there are few, or ask any staff member. The entire journey from the building entrance to boarding will take minimum time and effort.

Hasselt Airport (Vliegveld Kiewit), located near the city of Zonhoven, is rightfully considered one of the oldest and most iconic airfields in Belgium. Its history began not with military needs, but with the pure enthusiasm of aviation pioneers. The airfield was founded in 1909 by the local flying club "Aero Kiewit," making it the cradle of civil aviation in the region. From the very beginning, it became a center of attraction for flight lovers and sports aviation.

Already in the early years of its existence, Kiewit Airfield became a venue for significant events. Some of the country's first aviation shows were organized here, attracting thousands of spectators eager to see the wonders of the dawning aviation era. Unlike many other airfields of that time, its development was always aimed at peaceful purposes: pilot training, organizing sports competitions, and private flights, preserving this unique DNA throughout its more than century-long history.

Over the years, the modest runway has turned into a modern center for general aviation. Today, Hasselt Airport is an important hub for business and private aviation. Flight schools are based on its territory, where new generations of pilots master the skies, as well as aircraft maintenance companies and hangars for private planes. The airfield continues to play a key role in the transport infrastructure of the Limburg province, serving individual and corporate needs rather than commercial flights.

A curious fact: although the airfield is known as Hasselt Airport, in international booking systems, the IATA code QHA is most often assigned to the Hasselt railway station. This circumstance subtly highlights its true purpose—to serve not mass passenger transport, but the world of private, sports, and business aviation. Thus, the history of the airfield is an inspiring example of how enthusiasts' passion grew into an important regional aviation center.

Hasselt Airport (QHA) is a compact regional airfield specializing in serving private and business aviation. The range of services here corresponds to its profile and is focused on ensuring comfort for passengers of business jets and small aircraft.

Usually, a café or lounge area operates on the airport grounds, where you can order beverages and light snacks. There are no large restaurant chains or Duty-Free zones here, but conditions are created for a comfortable wait for your flight. For business aviation passengers, separate premium lounges or VIP areas may be provided for greater privacy.

Travelers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Facilities for charging electronic devices are also available. Since the airport is often used for business trips, conference rooms or meeting rooms may be equipped here, which can be rented upon prior request.

It is important to note that there are no bank branches or currency exchange points at Hasselt Airport. It is recommended to settle all financial matters in the city in advance. There is no specialized medical center on the premises, but staff will provide first aid if necessary.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, but the need for special assistance should be reported to the airline or airport administration in advance. Services for passengers with small children, such as separate mother and child rooms, may not be provided, but the staff is always ready to help.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. The nearest hotels and apartments are located in the city of Hasselt and its surroundings, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal.

When planning a trip through Hasselt Airport, it is important to remember that this is a small regional airfield serving mainly private and business aviation. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is more modest than in large international airports and is aimed at ensuring basic comfort for passengers.

Typically, a cozy brasserie or café operates in the main building (in the public area) of the airport. This is the main place where you can have a snack before departure. The menu offers a good selection for quickly satisfying hunger: here you can order a cup of aromatic coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and enjoy refreshing beverages. For a more substantial meal, a "dish of the day" or one of the simple hot dishes of European cuisine may be offered.

Prices in the local café can be described as moderate, which corresponds to the level of small European airports. regarding opening hours, the establishment is usually open during the daytime, adjusting to the flight schedule. However, if your departure is scheduled for early morning or late evening, it is strongly recommended to check the schedule in advance. The choice of dishes for passengers with special dietary needs, for example, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, may be limited, so it is best to clarify available options with the staff upon arrival.

If you are looking for more diverse gastronomic experiences and have enough time, it would be an excellent idea to have lunch or dinner at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Hasselt before traveling to the airport. This will allow you to fully enjoy the culinary traditions of the region without haste.

To ensure your journey through Hasselt Airport leaves only pleasant impressions, it is important to remember its specifics. It is not a major commercial hub, but an airfield for private and business aviation, located near the city of Zonhoven. The main advantage here is speed and comfort. Forget the rule of "arriving two hours before departure." Your arrival time should be coordinated directly with your charter flight operator, but arriving 20–30 minutes before the scheduled departure is usually sufficient.

Procedures at Hasselt Airport are simplified to the maximum and focused on saving your time. You will not face long queues for check-in or security control. All formalities are conducted quickly, efficiently, and in a private setting. Passport and customs control (for flights outside the Schengen area) are also organized to minimize waiting and ensure complete passenger confidentiality.

One of the key advantages of business aviation is the ability to order additional services for maximum comfort. Contact your aviation broker or operator in advance to organize customized onboard catering, order an executive class car transfer directly to the aircraft steps, or use other concierge services. This will make your journey through Belgium flawless from start to finish.

Although general safety rules regarding the transport of liquids and prohibited items remain in force, the process of screening hand luggage and baggage is much faster than on commercial flights. Flexibility is another plus: baggage allowances are often more generous, but they should always be checked with your carrier. Traveling within the Schengen area, you will generally not encounter passport control, making flights even more efficient.

Unlike scheduled airlines, private aviation offers unmatched flexibility. If your plans have changed or you need to adjust the departure time, contact your company representative immediately. Private jet operators can usually adapt the schedule to your needs, which is practically impossible in commercial aviation. Instead of worrying about delays, you gain control over your time.