All Departing Flights Canceled in Belgium Amid Major Strike

Both Brussels Airport (Zaventem) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport cancelled every outbound flight as security screening staff walked off the job, leaving would-be travelers stranded.

The walkout by the airports’ security personnel is part of a broader strike against government reforms, which has also severely disrupted public transport across Brussels.

TL;DR

• Belgium’s nationwide general strike began October 14, 2025.
• All departing flights from Brussels and Charleroi airports canceled.
• Public transit in Brussels halted; roads blocked by demonstrations.
• Strike led by unions protesting pension and labor reform plans.
• 80,000 people joined marches; some unrest and arrests reported.
• Normal flight and transit operations expected to resume Wednesday.

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Air Travel Brought to a Standstill

All planes scheduled to depart from Brussels Airport, Belgium’s largest hub, were canceled after the airport’s security staff joined the strike. The airport had warned travelers of “major disruptions” ahead of the strike and even urged airlines not to operate outbound flights on the strike day.

Brussels Airlines, the flag carrier, heeded that call — cancelling all its departing flights and a significant number of arrivals for the day. Brussels Airport officials expect a surge of rebooked passengers once flights resume on Wednesday, warning that it will be a “busy day” as operations restart.

Meanwhile, Charleroi Airport – Belgium’s second-busiest airport, popular with low-cost airlines – also shut down its operations entirely. “No plane is taking off or landing” at Charleroi during the strike, the airport confirmed, due to a lack of security staff on duty.

The cancellation of flights at both major airports has impacted tens of thousands of travelers across the country. Passengers at Brussels Airport faced empty terminals and departure boards filled with cancelled flights.

Photos from the scene showed airport employees and passengers alike gazing up at monitors listing one scrubbed flight after another in what are normally bustling halls.

A nearly empty departures hall at Brussels Airport, where flight information boards showed a cascade of cancellations during the nationwide strike (Oct 14, 2025). Stranded passengers were left waiting for updates as all departing flights were grounded.

While the main international hubs were paralyzed, some regional airports in Belgium remained operational. Smaller airports such as Antwerp and Ostend stayed open with normal schedules , offering a limited alternative for travelers.

However, these regional airports handle far fewer flights than Brussels or Charleroi, so their capacity to accommodate stranded passengers was minimal. Many affected travelers have little choice but to delay their trips or seek routes through airports in neighboring countries.

City Transportation Crippled

The strike’s impact extended beyond airports into local transportation, effectively paralyzing Brussels’ public transit network. The majority of metro, tram and bus lines in the capital were not running for most of the day.

Public transport operator STIB reported that most underground trains and surface transit services were cut, making it extremely difficult for people to move around the city. Even some entrances to central Brussels railway stations were closed as crowds of protesters marched through the city.

Road travel was also severely affected – the large demonstration in Brussels blocked major roads and snarled traffic in the heart of the city.

Commuters and travelers trying to reach the airports or travel within Belgium faced lengthy delays due to both the transit shutdown and the road blockages.

Nationwide Strike Sparks Disruption

Today’s general strike was called by Belgium’s three main trade union federations in protest against proposed government austerity measures and reforms to pensions and labor laws.

It is the latest in a series of labor actions this year responding to Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s plans to cut public spending. The strike brought much of the country to a standstill: an estimated 80,000 people marched in Brussels between the North and South train stations, according to police.

Parts of the city saw unrest; small fires were set along major boulevards and police detained several dozen protesters amid clashes.

While the demonstrations were centered in Brussels, the industrial action also included workers in other sectors (from airport staff to sanitation services), amplifying the disruption to daily life.

Authorities have emphasized that the strike was scheduled as a single-day action. Normal operations – flights, public transit and other services – are expected to resume on Wednesday, once the strike concludes.

Still, the fallout for travelers and commuters may continue into the following days as airlines and transit operators work through backlogs and reschedule services.

Why It Matters for Travelers

• Flights Grounded: Anyone with travel plans departing from Belgium today is effectively grounded, as no passenger flights are leaving Brussels or Charleroi airports. This means thousands of travelers are stuck waiting for the strike to end before they can fly out.
  
  
• Immediate Itinerary Upheaval: Connections and onward travel plans are being missed. Travelers must reconsider their itineraries immediately – this includes rebooking connecting flights, extending hotel stays, or finding alternative means to reach time-sensitive destinations. If you had a tight schedule, expect significant delays and potentially extra costs (for accommodation or rebooking fees).
  
  
• Rebooking and Alternatives: Passengers should contact their airlines as soon as possible to inquire about rebooking options or refunds due to the strike. Many airlines have waived change fees in such situations. For urgent travel, consider alternate routes: for example, trains or driving to airports in neighboring countries (like Paris, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt) to catch international flights. Belgium’s regional airports (e.g. Antwerp or Ostend) remain open , but have limited flight options. Be prepared for crowded conditions when service resumes, and check airline and airport notifications frequently for the latest updates on departures.

By Tuesday evening, the general strike’s disruptions had grounded Belgium’s air travel and left countless travelers scrambling.

If you are scheduled to fly from Belgium, it’s crucial to stay informed via airport websites and news updates. The situation is expected to improve after the strike ends, but the ripple effects on flight schedules and travel plans could persist for a day or more as operations slowly return to normal.

Travelers are urged to remain patient and flexible, and to make contingency plans until the country’s transportation network is fully up and running again.

FAQ

Why are flights canceled in Belgium today?
Airport security staff joined a nationwide strike against government reforms, forcing Brussels and Charleroi airports to cancel all departures.

How long will the disruption last?
The strike was planned as a single-day action, with normal flight and transit operations expected to resume on Wednesday.

Are other airports in Belgium still open?
Smaller airports like Antwerp and Ostend remain open but handle very few flights, offering limited alternatives.

Can passengers rebook or get refunds?
Yes. Most airlines are offering rebooking or refunds without penalties for affected passengers.

How has the strike affected travel in Brussels?
Public transport, including metro, tram, and bus lines, was largely shut down, and road traffic faced major delays due to protests.

What should travelers do now?
Check airline and airport updates frequently, allow extra time for travel, and consider alternative routes via nearby airports in France, the Netherlands, or Germany.