Travel chaos new alert: Nationwide strike at the Brussels Airport, 42,000 passengers stranded

Travelers flying out of Brussels on Tuesday, brace for massive disruptions.

Both Brussels Zaventem and Brussels South Charleroi airports are set to be significantly impacted by a nationwide strike involving security, cleaning, and catering staff.

Flights Canceled, Passengers Stranded

The strike has led to the cancellation of all departing flights at Brussels Airport, with around 42,000 passengers (32,000 departing and 10,000 arriving) affected.

On Monday, the airport announced a sharp reduction in expected arrivals, dropping to 14,000 from the initial 24,000.

Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, has already canceled 200 flights, impacting 21,000 passengers. While arriving flights are still possible, disruptions are expected.

The airline advises passengers to check for updates frequently.

Charleroi Airport Hit HardCharleroi Airport has also canceled all outgoing flights on Tuesday due to the limited availability of security staff. Initially, it hoped to operate 30% of scheduled flights, but this plan was abandoned.

Incoming flights will still operate as planned, but the strike will likely cause significant delays.

This is not the first time Charleroi has faced such turmoil. Earlier in September, a surprise strike grounded all flights and caused days of disruptions.

The Cause Behind the Strike

The strike is part of a broader European trade union movement protesting poor working conditions for essential workers, including cleaners, security guards, and food service employees.

Brussels Airport staff are voicing their dissatisfaction with excessive workloads, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and poor working conditions. Unions argue that while the airport operator profits, its workers are left struggling.

Travelers are strongly advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport and consider alternate travel plans as widespread cancellations and delays are expected to persist throughout the day.

Cargo operations, however, will remain largely unaffected.