No passenger flights to depart from Brussels Airport on Thursday due to national protest

No passenger flights will depart from Brussels Airport on Thursday, the airport confirmed on Monday. A reduced number of incoming flights is also expected due to a nationwide strike.

Brussels Airport had previously warned of major disruption on 13 February, as trade unions plan a national demonstration in Brussels against several policies of the new federal government. As a result, “a significant number of ground handling and security staff” at the airport would go on strike.

On Monday, the extent of the disruption became clearer. No passenger flights will be able to take off from the airport. Airlines will contact affected travellers directly. Brussels Airport has urged passengers not to travel to the airport on Thursday.

Additionally, several inbound passenger flights will also be cancelled. The airport advises passengers due to land in Zaventem on Thursday to check the latest information with their airline or via the Brussels Airport website.

Three quarters of the flights scheduled to depart from Charleroi airport on Thursday have also been cancelled. 

Nationwide protest

Trade unions anticipate a massive turnout for the national protest against the new government’s policy programme on 13 February. They expect double the number of demonstrators compared to the 30,000 who took to the streets in Brussels last month.

Trade unions have voiced strong opposition to several government measures, including stricter unemployment policies, the abolition of the “prosperity envelope” for social benefits, increased flexibility demands on workers, deep cuts to public services, and pension reforms.

Disruption is expected across multiple sectors, including public transport (De Lijn, MIVB), postal services (bpost), and Brussels Airport. Some private-sector employees are also expected to join the strike. 

The national demonstration will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, following the traditional route from Brussels North to Brussels South.

^{A plane at Brussels airport © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}