Strike against pension plans disrupt rail and air travel on Monday

Rail and air travel in Belgium will be severely disrupted by Monday's strike as part of union action over pensions. Rail operator SNCB has announced that less than a third of its trains will be available, while flight schedules at Brussels and Charleroi airports will be severely affected.

Various unions, including education and prison staff, are striking on Monday over pension plans of the federal government negotiators. Railway workers are also worried about the changes, and will join the strike. The rail strike will start on Sunday evening at 22.00. From Tuesday morning, trains should return to normal.

As a result, SNCB will have an alternative service with a much reduced number of trains on Monday. Two out of three intercity trains will not be available, while four out of five local and suburban trains will not run. Peak trains will be almost completely unavailable on the day.

Flight cancellations

The strikes will also affect air traffic. Brussels Airlines cancelled half of its European flights on Monday, though efforts are being made to protect long-haul flights as much as possible. The airline has asked passengers whose flights are going ahead to carry a minimum amount of luggage.

The airline says it has cancelled flights where there are sufficient opportunities to rebook passengers, or selected flights with the lowest number of passengers to minimise the impact. Passengers affected can book alternative flights or request a refund.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is expecting its operations to be "severely disrupted" on Monday and is warning of delays in both departures and arrivals. The airport is advising passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight.

^{Antwerp Central station © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}