Brussels Airport in Zaventem has announced that no departing passenger flights will take place on 14 October due to a nationwide strike. The move, confirmed on Tuesday, is expected to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of passengers.
The strike, which will see participation from several airport staff members and private security service providers, is part of a broader general strike planned across Belgium. As a result, airport operations are set to face severe disruption, making it impossible to guarantee normal passenger flow and security checks.
“In consultation with airlines, we have decided to cancel all departing passenger flights for the day,” the airport stated. “This measure allows us to provide clarity to travelers in advance rather than leaving them uncertain on the day itself.”
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be contacted directly by their respective airlines. Airlines will provide details on possible options, which could include rescheduling, refunds, or rebooking on alternative flights. The airport emphasized that travelers should wait for direct communication from their airline rather than calling the airport, as the strike will impact multiple services at once.
While departing flights have been definitively canceled, it remains unclear to what extent arriving flights will be affected. The airport has warned passengers that some incoming flights could also face cancellations or delays depending on staffing levels and operational constraints on the strike day.
The Brussels Times reached out to Brussels South Charleroi Airport to assess whether similar disruptions are expected there, but no response has been received so far. Charleroi Airport, the country’s second-largest, also relies on security and ground staff that may be participating in the general strike.
The upcoming strike comes amid ongoing labor tensions in Belgium. Trade unions have repeatedly voiced concerns over wages, inflation, and working conditions, which they say have worsened due to the rising cost of living and energy prices. Previous strikes in Belgium have significantly impacted public transport, healthcare, and education, but the October action is expected to hit the aviation sector particularly hard.
Travel experts are urging passengers to check their emails and airline notifications frequently in the days leading up to 14 October. “It is crucial for travelers to stay informed and flexible,” one travel consultant noted. “In cases like this, airlines often issue vouchers or rebookings, but options can become limited quickly as other flights fill up.”
Brussels Airport handled nearly 20 million passengers in 2023, making it one of Europe’s busiest hubs. A day without departing flights represents a substantial operational and economic impact, not only for the airport and airlines but also for tourism and business sectors dependent on smooth connectivity.
The airport has said it will continue to provide updates as the strike approaches, particularly regarding the situation with arriving flights. Passengers are advised to monitor the Brussels Airport website and their airline’s communication channels for the latest information.
With less than two weeks until the strike, the looming disruption highlights the far-reaching effects of labor disputes across Belgium’s key infrastructure sectors. For passengers, October 14 promises to be a challenging day of uncertainty.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
