Business Class Flights to Ghent, Belgium

Located in Belgium’s Flanders region, Ghent has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. For much of its existence, Ghent, which lies at the junction of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers, has served as a port and center for commerce in Belgium. Ghent is the third-largest city in Belgium after Brussels and Antwerp. The city, combined with its metro area, has about 560,000 residents. 

Because of its well-preserved historic architecture and important cultural sites, Ghent is a popular destination for tourists. Business travelers also book flights to Ghent on a regular basis, especially those who work in shipping and logistics and in the automobile industry. The Port of Ghent is home to several large car companies including Volvo Cars; Volvo Trucks, and Honda.

Because Ghent does not have its own airport, travelers who want to fly to Ghent can choose to arrive at either Brussels International Airport (BRU) in Brussels, which is located a little more than 40 miles east of Ghent, or at Flanders International Airport (KJK), located in Wevelgem, which is about 34 miles south of Ghent. Ground transportation from either airport into Ghent is available by train, bus, or taxi.

One of the cultural highlights tourists who fly to Ghent most often want to see is the famous Ghent Altarpiece located inside of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Painted in the early 15th century by Flemish artists and brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck, the Ghent Altarpiece is a large, multi-paneled work of art depicting scenes from the Bible. It is considered by art historians to be one of the most important works of European art as it marks the transition between the primitive painting style of the Middle Ages and the more sophisticated painting style of the Northern Renaissance.

Ghent’s historic Graslei area is also popular with visitors. Located on the banks of the Leie River, the Graslei is lined with medieval row houses and is home to several cafes, restaurants, and shops. For those who book flights to ghent, this is a must-see stop that ushers visitors into a whole new world with historic charm. The architecture alone is worth the visit, and the cafes offer up delectable treats and dishes to keep travelers energized.

The Gravensteen Castle is another popular site in Ghent. Built in the 12th century, the enormous stone building was restored in the late 1800s and is today open to the public as a museum.

More than 1.5 million people fly to Ghent each July to attend the Ghent Festival, a ten-day music festival that hosts concerts, performances, and events throughout the city. Several genres of music are represented at the Ghent Festival, from rock to jazz to world music. Cheap flights to Ghent may be available to travelers who want to attend the festival if they are willing to book their airfare well ahead of time.

No matter the reason visitors fly to Ghent, they often take time to sample some of Flanders’ traditional cuisine. This includes a meat-based stew called Stoverij that is made with brown ale, and chocolates called Leonidas, that are enjoyed throughout the country.

Notable people from Ghent include King Louis XVIII of France; Holy Roman Emperor Charles V; Northern Renaissance painter Jan van Eyck; video game designer Swen Vincke; and jazz pianist Seppe Gebruers.