Brussels Airport Braces for Major Flight Cancellations on Tuesday Because of Trade Union Strike

A major strike by several trade unions in Brussels next week is expected to cause significant flight cancellations at some of the city’s—and Europe’s—busiest airports.

Three trade unions announced last week that they will lead large-scale demonstrations on Tuesday, May 12. While it is not a general strike, the action is expected to cause major headaches for those in or traveling through Brussels on Tuesday.

That includes the anticipated cancellation of more than 50% of departures from Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem, and the cancellation of all flights at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), the city’s more minor airport. Major cancellations aren’t expected at Antwerp (ANR) or Ostend-Bruges (OST), however.

A few airlines have already issued travel waivers for passengers flying through Brussels next week. United Airlines has a waiver out for travel through the city on May 11 and 12, allowing impacted travelers to rebook flights for any date through May 15 without paying a change fee or fare difference.

Lufthansa, which already cut 60% of its Tuesday schedule in Brussels, has a waiver out for any flight on May 12 going through Brussels. Passengers can move their flights to any date between May 10 and May 16. It is also allowing passengers to reroute through alternative airports within 300km, specifically Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (ORY), or Düsseldorf (DUS), without a penalty.

Ground transportation in Belgium will also be hit by day of action. Severe disruptions are expected across the Brussels local transit network (STIB/MIVB), including the metro, tram, and bus lines; travelers are being urged to seek alternative transport.

National and international rail services, including both the national rail (SNCB) and Eurostar, currently expect to maintain a normal schedule.