Brussels, 12 February 2025 — In anticipation of a massive national protest against the new federal government’s policy reforms, Brussels Airport has confirmed that no passenger flights will depart on Thursday, 13 February. The decision comes as trade unions across Belgium prepare for what is expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in recent years, with tens of thousands of citizens set to take to the streets in opposition to controversial measures such as stricter unemployment policies, cuts to public services, and pension reforms.
Air Travel Disruptions
Brussels Airport announced on Monday that all departing flights would be canceled due to a significant number of ground handling and security staff joining the nationwide strike. This includes baggage handlers, air traffic controllers, and other essential personnel whose absence will render normal airport operations impossible. Airlines are contacting affected passengers directly, while the airport strongly advises travelers not to head to Zaventem on Thursday.
In addition to outgoing flights, several inbound passenger flights are also expected to be canceled. Passengers scheduled to arrive at Brussels Airport on Thursday should check with their airlines or consult the Brussels Airport website for updates.
Charleroi Airport, another major hub in Belgium, has similarly canceled three-quarters of its outbound flights, leaving only incoming flights from Schengen area destinations operational. Charleroi officials have urged impacted passengers to contact their respective carriers for rebooking options or refunds.
The strike by air traffic controllers further compounds the chaos, effectively halting nearly all arriving flights at Belgian airports. Controllers will stage an extended work stoppage from 06:45 to 22:15 on Thursday, rendering it impossible for most aircraft to land during this period. While some early morning and late evening arrivals might still occur, these decisions will depend on individual airline assessments.
Impact on Travelers
Approximately 430 passenger flights—impacting around 60,000 travelers—were initially planned for Thursday. With cancellations mounting, many passengers face uncertainty about their travel plans. Airlines have been tasked with managing rebookings and providing alternative arrangements where feasible. However, given the scale of disruptions, delays and logistical challenges are inevitable.
Brussels Airport warns that the situation could evolve further over the coming days, urging passengers to remain vigilant and monitor official announcements closely.
Massive Turnout Expected for National Demonstration
Trade unions anticipate a record turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday. Following the traditional route from Brussels North to Brussels South, organizers expect double the number of participants compared to last month’s rally, where approximately 30,000 demonstrators gathered.
The protest targets several contentious government proposals, including:
- Stricter unemployment policies
- Abolition of the “prosperity envelope” for social benefits
- Increased flexibility demands on workers
- Deep cuts to public services
- Pension reforms
These measures have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among labor groups, who argue they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and erode worker protections.
Wider Economic Impact
Beyond aviation, the strike is expected to disrupt multiple sectors, including public transportation, postal services, and potentially private-sector businesses. De Lijn and MIVB (public transport operators) may experience service interruptions, while bpost, the national postal service, has warned customers of potential delays.
Belgian rail operator SNCB has not received formal notice of industrial action but cautions passengers about possible congestion due to anticipated high ridership. Travelers are advised to plan journeys using the SNCB app or website for real-time updates.
Looking Ahead
As tensions mount ahead of Thursday’s demonstration, authorities and stakeholders brace for significant disruptions across the country. For now, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and minimizing inconvenience for those caught in the crossfire of political dissent.
Passengers planning travel through Belgium this week are urged to exercise patience and flexibility, keeping a close eye on communications from their airlines and relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the nation awaits the outcome of what promises to be a pivotal day in Belgium’s ongoing labor disputes.
We acknowledge The European Times for the information.
