Nationwide strike grounds hundreds of flights between Belgium and UK airports
A three-day nationwide strike in Belgium is causing significant travel chaos for UK passengers, with all departure flights cancelled at the country’s major airports and widespread disruption to rail services including Eurostar connections.
Strike Details and Timeline
The industrial action, which began on Monday, November 24, will cause the most severe disruption on Wednesday, November 26. The strike is being held in protest against government austerity measures, specifically proposed changes to labor laws affecting benefits and pensions as Belgium attempts to tackle its growing national debt.
Which Belgian Airports Are Affected?
Brussels-Zaventem Airport (Belgium’s largest international airport):
- All departure flights cancelled on November 26
- 110 of 203 incoming flights cancelled
- 93 incoming flights expected to operate
- Approximately 30 UK routes affected
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (Ryanair’s primary Belgian hub):
- Complete shutdown with no arrivals or departures
- All scheduled services suspended
Impact on UK Travelers
Affected UK Airports
The strike impacts multiple UK airports with regular Belgian connections:
London airports:
- Heathrow (49 weekly flights to Brussels)
- Gatwick
- Stansted
- Luton
- Southend
Regional UK airports:
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
- Newcastle
Airlines Experiencing Disruptions
Major carriers operating between the UK and Belgium are affected:
- British Airways
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- Brussels Airlines
Hundreds of passengers across these airlines face cancelled flights and are being forced to arrange alternative travel.
Rail Services Also Disrupted
SNCB National Railway
Belgium’s national rail operator is running reduced services throughout the strike period, from 10pm on November 23 until the end of November 26.
Eurostar International Services
UK passengers traveling via Eurostar from London St Pancras are experiencing knock-on delays and cancellations. Multiple trains were affected on the first day of the strike, with continued disruption expected through Wednesday.
Local Public Transport
The City of Brussels has warned of disrupted services across all public transport networks. De Lijn, operating in Flanders, is running fewer bus and tram services throughout the three-day period.
Background: Why Is Belgium Striking?
Prime Minister Bart De Wever, a Flemish nationalist who took office in February, leads a center-right coalition government focused on reducing Belgium’s budget deficit. The country has experienced several strikes since his government began implementing austerity measures.
On Monday, the government reached a budget agreement that De Wever claims is necessary to “guarantee the sustainability” of Belgium’s welfare state.
The FGTB general workers union defended the strike action, stating that a demonstration in Brussels two weeks prior received “total silence” from the government, prompting the escalation to nationwide industrial action.
Your Passenger Rights: What Airlines Must Provide
Mandatory Airline Support
Under UK and EU regulations, airlines must provide comprehensive support when flights are delayed or cancelled:
Care and assistance includes:
- Meals and refreshments appropriate to the delay length
- Hotel accommodation when necessary
- Transport between the airport and hotel
- Access to phone calls and emails
- Vouchers for immediate expenses (in some cases)
Important: Airlines only cover “reasonable” expenses. Luxury items like hotel minibars or penthouse suites typically aren’t reimbursable.
When Are You Eligible for Support?
Eligibility depends on flight distance and delay duration:
Short-haul flights (up to 1,500km): 2+ hours delay Medium-haul flights (1,500km-3,500km): 3+ hours delay Long-haul flights (over 3,500km): 4+ hours delay
Non-UK/EU Airlines
If you booked with airlines outside UK/EU jurisdiction, check their specific terms and conditions. Most reputable carriers provide similar support, but policies vary.
Refunds and Alternative Travel Options
Getting a Refund
If your flight is covered by UK law, you have two choices:
- Full refund for the cancelled portion of your journey
- Alternative routing to your destination at no extra cost
Refund processing: Typically completed within seven days
Partial journeys: If only one leg of a return flight is cancelled, you’re entitled to a refund for that specific portion.
Alternative Travel Arrangements
If you choose to continue your journey, your airline must:
- Find alternative flights, potentially with other carriers
- Book other forms of transport if appropriate
- Cover all additional costs
- Route you to your final destination as soon as possible
Airlines cannot charge extra for rebooking you on alternative services.
What Should Affected Passengers Do?
Immediate Actions
- Contact your airline directly for rebooking or refund options
- Keep all receipts for reasonable expenses (meals, accommodation, transport)
- Document communications with airline representatives
- Check alternative routes including flights from other UK airports
- Monitor Eurostar status if considering rail alternatives
- Review travel insurance coverage for strike-related disruptions
Long-Term Considerations
Passengers with upcoming Belgian travel plans should:
- Monitor the situation for potential future strikes
- Consider flexible booking options
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Allow extra time for connections
- Sign up for airline alerts and notifications
Claiming Expenses
To successfully claim expenses from your airline:
- Keep detailed records: Save all receipts and documentation
- Spend reasonably: Stick to essential, modest expenses
- Submit promptly: File claims as soon as possible
- Follow airline procedures: Use their specific claims process
- Be persistent: Don’t hesitate to escalate if claims are denied unfairly
Future Outlook
Belgium has experienced multiple strikes since the current government took office. Travelers should remain aware that further industrial action is possible if labor disputes with the government continue.
The three-day strike represents a significant escalation in tensions between workers and the government over austerity measures, suggesting that Belgium’s labor relations may remain volatile in the coming months.
Conclusion
The Belgian airport strike demonstrates how quickly international travel can be disrupted by labor disputes. UK passengers affected by the cancellations should understand their rights, act quickly to arrange alternatives or claim refunds, and maintain documentation of all expenses.
While the immediate three-day strike will end on November 26, travelers planning Belgian trips should stay informed about potential future disruptions and consider flexible booking arrangements.
