Belgium National Strike Disrupts Air Travel at Brussels, Charleroi

Belgium faces its most significant aviation disruption in months as a nationwide three-day strike enters its critical phase, with major cancellations expected at both Brussels and Charleroi airports on November 26, 2025.

The industrial action, which began November 24, represents a broad coalition of trade unions protesting the Belgian government’s austerity program. The government plans to reduce spending by €10 billion by 2030 to comply with European Union debt regulations, a measure that has drawn fierce opposition from labor organizations and the public.

Most disruptions are anticipated on November 26, when private-sector companies are expected to join the walkout alongside public-sector workers. Brussels Airport, the country’s primary international hub, confirmed it will operate no departing flights on that date, with some arriving flights also subject to cancellation. The airport acknowledged the disruption in a statement, urging passengers to arrive early on adjacent travel dates and utilize online tools to confirm flight times.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, serving secondary routes across Belgium, has similarly announced a complete suspension of scheduled departures and arrivals on November 26. The airport confirmed it will contact affected passengers regarding rebooking or refund options in coming days.

The strike extends beyond aviation into Belgium’s broader transport network and public services, creating cascading effects across multiple sectors. Passengers face difficult ground transportation to airports on November 24-26, with rail and road services also impacted by the industrial action.

Belgium’s aviation industry warned that the combination of transit disruptions and airport closures creates a perfect storm for travelers. Airlines have encouraged passengers to monitor their email and airline websites for updates, while airports recommend checking online booking tools and mobile applications for departure information.

The three-day action culminates November 26, with November 25 and 27 anticipated to see residual congestion as operations normalize. Industry analysts suggest recovery may extend into the following week as airlines work through extensive rebooking requests.

Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102540381-940