In 2020, Brussels Airport inaugurated the first centre in Europe to meet the new European standards for animal welfare in air transport: the Animal Care & Inspection Centre. Since then, almost 10,000 mammals have passed through the doors of the ACIC. Every month, the centre plays host to an array of dogs, cats, competition horses and exotic species. Not to mention countless insects, fish and birds. The centre, the only one of its kind, has come to be seen as a benchmark for specialised logistics and animal welfare.
Every day, almost 70,000 passengers travel through Brussels Airport. But alongside this familiar traffic, another type of traveller – four-legged, feathered or hoofed – can be found discreetly making their way through the airport. While some of these animals can travel in the cabin with their owners, others are only allowed to travel in the hold and under specific conditions. Other passengers are looking for temporary accommodation for their pets while they are away. To meet these needs, Brussels Airport in 2020 inaugurated a state-of-the-art animal transit centre, the Animal Care & Inspection Centre, designed to ensure the safety, comfort and tranquillity of all animals in transit or departing.
Since its creation, this 2,000 m² centre has welcomed almost 5,500 dogs, 800 cats, 1,600 horses, alongside a whole range of farm animals and even exotic animals. Adding up to a total of almost 10,000 mammals. And that’s not counting all the fish, reptiles and birds that also pass through the ACIC.
Animal welfare is a central focus
Designed to ensure that animals are transported in safe and stress-free conditions, the ACIC boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including physically separate import/export areas, a veterinary laboratory, mobile stables and specially adapted rest areas. Each accommodation area has natural light and is equipped with a unique centralised system for adjusting light, temperature and ventilation according to the specific needs of each species – birds, reptiles, ruminants, fish, etc. The centre has 11 horse stables, multifunctional areas for inspections, and even a refrigerated room set aside for insects. There is also an outdoor lawn area for our four-legged friends. Since 2022, the centre has been IATA CEIV Live Animals certified, a guarantee of quality and compliance with international standards.
“The ACIC embodies our commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence. Thanks to this centre, Brussels Airport has become a key EU hub for the transport of live animals, whether pets, livestock or exotic animals. We are proud to celebrate these five successful years with our partners and teams,” commented Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.
The ACIC’s success is also down to the passionate efforts of around ten professionals from dnata, one of our partners, who work closely with the airlines, ground handlers and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC). The ACIC hosts a FASFC border control post, which must always carry out an inspection when live animals are imported or exported to ensure compliance with European public health provisions.
Remarkable stories
While the ACIC takes great care with each animal, some experiences stand out for the centre’s teams. Highlights over the past five years include handling hippos, snow leopards and hammerhead sharks, as well as welcoming 489 alpacas in one go.
More recently, the ACIC has also played a key role during the departure of the three pandas Tian Bao, Bao Di and Bao Mei to China, as well as the arrival of three golden snub-nosed monkeys, Lu Lu, Juan Juan and Liu Yun. The centre’s expertise has been hailed by the Pairi Daiza animal park.
“Animal welfare cannot be compromised. Thanks to the commitment of the Brussels Airport and ACIC teams, the giant pandas, the koala and, more recently, the golden monkeys Lu Lu, Juan Juan and Liu Yun, enjoyed VIP treatment when they boarded or disembarked and during every stage of their transfer to and from the airport. The arrival or departure of precious animals is an essential part of Pairi Daiza’s conservation mission. We commend the professionalism, availability and consideration shown by the Brussels Airport teams,” commented Puria Mahlouji, Member of the Pairi Daiza Zoological Management team.
