Belgium airports impacted by another nationwide strike
Another nationwide strike is taking place in Belgium on Thursday, 12 March, and it is going to cause significant disruption at the country’s main airports EBBR/Brussels and EBCI/Charleroi.
The last major strike on 26 November did not involve ATC, but airport operations were still severely disrupted. Airlines had to cancel all departures and in some cases arrivals at both EBBR and EBCI. BizAv at Brussels saw only minor delays to services, while at Charleroi availability was still being evaluated on the day.
For the upcoming strike on 12 March, the situation is similar in terms of airport staffing. ATC involvement has not been reported, so BizAv services should remain largely unaffected despite the wider airport disruptions.
In addition to flight disruptions, significant delays to public ground transport are expected across Belgium, affecting trains and local services. Plan for potential delays getting to the airport.
Here’s what we currently know about the impact of the strike at the main airports:
EBBR/Brussels
Notam issued restricting departing flights with local passengers:
A0652/26 - AD LTD DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION. FORCE MAJEURE. NO DEP PASSENGER FLT POSSIBLE WITH LOCAL DEPARTING PAX. EXC GENERAL AVIATION AND CARGO FLT
The airport has announced that no departing flights with local passengers will be possible, as severely reduced staffing levels including security personnel participating in the strike will limit passenger processing. Only cargo flights, ferry flights without crew requiring screening, and transfer-only departures where passengers remain airside are expected to operate. Arrivals may still be possible, but airlines are advised to avoid overnight transits or passengers needing re-screening.
For BizAv, the outlook is better. Local handlers report no expected disruption, as ATC is not expected to be affected by the strike.
Contact: hostess.belgium@execujet.com.
EBCI/Charleroi
The airport has confirmed a full cancellation of both arrivals and departures for airline traffic on March 12 due to strike-related staffing shortages:
A0653/26 - AD LTD DUE TO A NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ACTION - FORCE MAJEURE, STAFFING LEVEL OF MANY OPR PARTNERS WILL BE SEVERELY IMPACTED. 100 PERCENT REDUCTION FOR ARRIVING AND DEPARTING FLIGHTS IS REQUIRED. AIRLINES ARE REQUIRED TO CANCEL THEIR ARRIVING AND DEPARTING FLIGHTS IN THIS TIMEFRAME.
All commercial flights will be cancelled for the day. However, based on previous similar strikes, BizAv movements may still be able to operate through the executive terminal, provided ATC remains operational.