Thousands of travelers were left stranded in Belgium yesterday after flights were grounded due to a nationwide industrial strike. The strike, which began on February 13, led to the cancellation of all departing flights to ensure the “safety of passengers and staff.”
Brussels Airport, Belgium’s largest aviation hub, was hit hardest by the disruptions. Some arriving flights were also canceled, while only flights from the Schengen area were permitted to land at Charleroi Airport.
In a statement, Brussels Airport expressed regret over the situation: “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by the union action.”
How to Check if Your Flight is Canceled
Travelers planning to fly to or from Belgium in the next 48 hours are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline. Flights from France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US are among those affected by the strike.
A Brussels Airport spokesperson urged passengers to stay informed: “Airlines will contact passengers whose flights are impacted. We ask passengers not to come to the airport on the day of their canceled flight.” Travelers can also reach out to their airlines to explore rescheduling or rebooking options.
Charleroi Airport, located south of Brussels, confirmed similar disruptions: “All departing flights from Charleroi Airport have been canceled due to insufficient staff to ensure safe operations. Only Schengen flights will operate.”
Alternative Travel Options
While Eurostar and regional train services in European capitals remain unaffected, they may experience higher-than-usual passenger volumes as travelers seek alternative routes. Public transport services, such as buses, could also face delays and partial cancellations.
Domino Effect Across Europe
The strike in Belgium is creating ripple effects across European air travel. Maastricht Aachen Airport, the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo hub, is bracing for an influx of passenger and cargo flights today, including nine diverted Wizz Air flights.
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and plan accordingly to minimize disruptions to their journeys.
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