Brussels Airport cancels 140 flights amid national protest
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- The cancellation of flights is due to a "National Day of Protest" organized by major Belgian trade unions.
- Reductions in staffing at ground handling firm Alyzia led to the cancellation of nearly half of its scheduled flights.
- Brussels Airlines proactively canceled approximately 40% of its flight schedule.
The main international airport of Belgium, Brussels Airport management announced the cancellation of nearly 140 flights on Friday in response to a "National Day of Protest" organized by trade unions FGTB and CSC against Belgian federal government policies.
Airport authorities explained that the operational disruptions stemmed from reduced staffing levels at ground handling company Alyzia, which was forced to cancel roughly 50% of the flights under its management.
In response to the labor action, national carrier Brussels Airlines preemptively canceled around 40% of its scheduled flights as a precautionary measure. The airline confirmed it is contacting affected passengers directly to offer rebooking options or ticket refunds.
Conversely, flights serviced by alternative ground handling company Aviapartner, which provides services for carriers including TUI fly and Ryanair, operated without major disruptions. However, local authorities cautioned travelers to anticipate potential delays accessing the airport due to widespread disruptions across Brussels' public transportation network.
Belgian media outlets stated that local bus, tram, and metro services in the capital faced extensive delays and service suspensions as nationwide protest actions unfolded.
The unions organized the walkouts as a strategic warning shot ahead of upcoming federal budget negotiations and the Prime Minister's policy address, protesting proposed austerity measures, threats to wage indexation, VAT increases, flexible working hour policies, and pension reforms.
At Brussels Airport, the immediate operational disruption was driven by staff participation from Alyzia, a primary ground-handling firm servicing about 20 airlines, including Brussels Airlines.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper stated that the strike is expected to cause “severe disruption” across the capital to metros, trams, and busses services.
