Belgium Strike Grounds Flights, Disrupts Train and Bus Services in Brussels

A national strike in Belgium is crippling air and ground travel in Brussels and across the country on Monday.

The strike is over proposed pension reforms by a potential new government, which is in the process of forming following last summer’s election. The strike is affecting more industries than just travel, with teachers, waste management workers, prison staff, and other unions all protesting the proposal.

In travel, at least 40% of all flights from Brussels International Airport are expected to be canceled on Monday. Flights arriving at the airport are more likely to be unaffected, but services such as baggage handling and immigration will be running slowly.

Brussels Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, said Monday it was asked by airport authorities “to cancel a significant number of flights” and is urging all passengers to contact their airline or travel agency before traveling.

Public transportation in Brussels is also heavily impacted—the city’s metro, tram, and bus systems are operating but are severely limited. STIB, which runs the systems, is advising those affected to use the Floya app to find alternative transportation.