Press Release – 15/09/2025 | LeShuttle Freight and Ostend-Bruges Airport have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a high-speed, multimodal logistics corridor between mainland Europe and the United Kingdom. The collaboration aims to provide faster, more flexible, and more sustainable cargo solutions—particularly for time-critical shipments such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce goods.

Strategically located just 95 km from the LeShuttle Freight terminal in Coquelles, Ostend-Bruges Airport enables cargo to reach the UK in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes after arrival under optimal conditions. By combining each other’s strengths and expertise, this partnership establishes a seamless logistics corridor for time-sensitive goods.

Its proximity, combined with 24/7 operations and the absence of slot restrictions, positions Ostend-Bruges Airport as one of the most efficient cross-Channel gateways for urgent freight, offering unmatched speed and access. This partnership also builds on the airport’s long-standing role as a logistics bridge between continental Europe and the UK, offering seamless air-to-road transitions and ensuring smooth handling with minimal delays.

“This strategic partnership streamlines rapid cargo transfers to the United Kingdom and offers a perfect solution for time-sensitive shipments,” says Nathan De Valck, CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport. “With 24/7 operations, direct connectivity to the Channel Tunnel, and no slot restrictions at both the airport and the Eurotunnel terminal, we are setting a new benchmark for urgent freight transport while providing our customers with maximum flexibility and reliability.”

Peter Roberts, Freight Commercial Strategy Director at LeShuttle Freight, adds: “Speed, efficiency, and customer care are at the core of our services. Partnering with Ostend-Bruges Airport allows us to move cargo seamlessly to and from the UK, while optimizing the flow between road and air transport. Together, we are creating a logistics corridor that is both agile and resilient.”

Both partners are also committed to reducing their carbon footprint through smart logistics planning and a shared focus on sustainability and innovation.

About Ostend-Bruges Airport

Ostend-Bruges Airport is a regional cargo and passenger airport located in Flanders, Belgium, strategically positioned on the North Sea coast within an accessible, congestion-free airport environment. Renowned for its flexibility, efficiency, and reliability, OST offers state-of-the-art cargo infrastructure and handling services designed to meet the evolving needs of the air freight industry. In addition to passenger and cargo flights, the airport is also investing in MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) activities, further enhancing its innovative and specialized profile.

The airport operates without slot restrictions and supports short turnaround times, enabling fast and seamless cargo operations. As a key cargo gateway to the UK market, Ostend-Bruges benefits from its proximity to the Eurotunnel terminal — just a 75-minute drive away — providing unparalleled intermodal connectivity for freight and logistics companies.

Further enhancing its intermodal advantage is the airport’s proximity to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges — Europe’s second-largest seaport — located just 45 minutes away, enabling efficient sea-air logistics solutions. Strengthening this strategic position is the nearby access to an extensive highway network that provides direct and efficient access to France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the rest of Belgium, ensuring seamless overland transport across major European corridors. 

About LeShuttle Freight:

LeShuttle Freight1, the faster, safer, more reliable and low carbon way2 to transport goods between the UK and continental Europe through the Channel Tunnel. LeShuttle Freight is a vital link in the global supply chain and carries 25% of the goods exchanged between the UK and continental Europe thanks to the speed, ease and flexibility of its service with up to 6 departures per hour. At 800m long, each Truck Shuttle can carry up to 32 trucks for the 35- minute journey between Calais and Folkestone.