Travelers in Belgium are advised to brace for significant disruptions at airports tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29, due to a nationwide strike involving both private and public sector workers.
Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport have both issued warnings about cancellations and delays, particularly affecting departing flights. The strike has been organized by Belgian trade unions CVC/ACV and FGTB/ABVV in protest of government reforms related to pensions, working conditions, and wage regulations. The walkout is expected to severely impact security and baggage handling services at Brussels Airport in Zaventem.
Brussels Airport has already requested airlines to limit their operations in anticipation of the strike, and at least 30% of departing flights have been cancelled. The airport has warned of “significant disruption throughout the day,” urging passengers to check flight statuses regularly for updates and to prepare for potential delays or last-minute changes.
While arriving flights are expected to operate as scheduled, the situation may evolve, with possible modifications as the strike progresses. The airport also noted that further cancellations of departing flights could occur depending on the strike’s development over the next 24 hours.
Brussels Airlines, based at Brussels Airport, is expected to be hit hardest by the strike, with around 70 flights already cancelled for Tuesday. Passengers are being notified via email and are advised to use a dedicated online portal for rebooking or refunds. Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone explained, “This process takes several hours, as we aim to offer travelers alternative solutions immediately, such as rebooking on a different flight or routing via another airport.”
Charleroi Airport (BSCA) will also be significantly impacted by the strike, having already cancelled all departing flights for Tuesday due to insufficient staff to ensure safe operations. Arriving flights at Charleroi are expected to run on schedule, but travelers should remain alert for any changes.
Public transportation across Brussels will also be disrupted, with train, metro, tram, and bus services all affected by the strike. Public transport operator STIB/MIVB assured travelers that efforts would be made to maintain some service, with real-time updates provided throughout the day.
For those flying out of Brussels Airport, it is advised to arrive at least two hours before departure for Schengen destinations and three hours for non-Schengen flights. The airport urged passengers to monitor official channels and airline websites closely for the latest updates.
“Although we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience, disruption is unavoidable due to the national scope of the strike,” the airport added.
Nearby airports could experience knock-on effects from the strike, with potential rerouting of flights or passengers booking alternative routes.
