GROUNDED: Belgium Strike Forces Major Airport Shutdown, Disrupting UK & Eurostar Travel

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel

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Source: Belga/AFP via Getty Images

Passengers check the departure information at Brussels’ Gare du Midi – Zuidstation as a three-day nationwide strike begins on November 24, 2025.

A nationwide strike over austerity measures in Belgium has forced the cancellation of all departing flights from the country’s major airports, affecting hundreds of travellers including passengers from the United Kingdom. The strike, which began on Monday, is scheduled to continue for three days and is causing widespread disruption to transport services across the country.

On Wednesday, November 26, Brussels-Zaventem Airport, Belgium’s largest aviation hub, will suspend all departing services, while 110 of 203 incoming flights will also be cancelled, a spokesperson confirmed to Reuters. The strike is expected to impact around 30 UK-bound flights operated by British Airways, easyJet and Brussels Airlines. Passengers are being asked to seek re-routing or alternative arrangements from their respective airlines.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport, heavily used by Ryanair, will also halt operations, with no flights scheduled to depart or arrive during the strike. Flights from several UK cities, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle, frequently operate to Brussels and are now facing major disruption.

Rail and Public Transport Severely Affected

Belgium’s national rail operator, SNCB, has announced reduced services from late November 23 until the end of the strike on November 26. These disruptions have already caused delays and cancellations to Eurostar services, affecting passengers travelling between London St Pancras and Brussels. The company has warned of further delays over the next 48 hours.

In addition, local public transport networks in Brussels and Flanders are operating reduced schedules. Flanders-based transport provider De Lijn has cautioned commuters to expect fewer bus and tram services, while the City of Brussels has issued a notice of general service disruption across its networks.

Government Reforms Prompt Unrest

The strike follows several labour actions in recent months after Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s centre-right coalition announced measures to reform pensions and benefits to reduce Belgium’s debt. Although his government claims the new budget agreement is necessary to “guarantee the sustainability” of the welfare system, unions including FGTB argue that earlier demonstrations were ignored.