The most modern “aviation station” in Europe

Because of the World Exhibition in Antwerp in 1930, it was decided that Antwerp needed an airport building worthy of the name. Minister of Transport Maurice Lippens had a competition organised for this. The “new business” design by architect Jasinski stood out the most. The end result is still operational 90 years on ...

The wooden chalet that had been in use since 1925 was sufficient for an airport, but the promise was made to provide Antwerp with an airport. In addition, in 1930 Antwerp would be the host city of a world exhibition. Maurice Lippens, Minister of Transport, organised a competition. Although Jasinski's design only took second place, it was still chosen to be realised.

On December 30, 1929, the first stone was laid by the minister, amid great interest.

Although the weather was very bad, the minister very appropriately flew from Brussels in a Sabena Fokker. Pilot on duty was chief pilot Prosper Cocquyt.

The planned subterranean corridor that would connect the building to the embarkation floor turned out to be a bit too advanced for the time and was scrapped by the jury.

However, the design has withstood the changes in design and architecture well, and still looks modern today.

When it opened, the building was therefore the most modern “aviation station” in Europe.