Belgium strikes set to cause travel chaos at Brussels Airport in March

Brussels Airport is bracing for severe disruption next month as some of Belgium’s largest trade unions plan industrial action.

A strike notice has been issued for Tuesday 12 March, lasting 24 hours.

The walkout will likely see widespread flight cancellations and delays. Here’s what travellers need to know.

Brussels Airport expected to cancel all departures on 12 March

Key Belgian trade unions, including FGTB/ABVV, CSC/ACV, and CGSLB/ACLVB, are staging a nationwide strike on 12 March, protesting against unpaid labour and pension reforms. The walkouts will affect various sectors, including public transport and airport operations.

Similar industrial action in 2025 had a major impact on air traffic, with extensive flight cancellations at both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Security screeners, baggage handlers and air traffic controllers at Brussels Airport are likely to join the walkout on 12 March. As such, the transport hub is expected to cancel most, if not all, of departing traffic that day.

According to travel advice site VisaHQ, the CEO of the transport hub, Arnaud Feist, told reporters that a complete shutdown of outbound services is now the “most realistic scenario”.

Between 165 and 250 flights depart per day at what is Belgium’s busiest airport, so the strikes are likely to cause significant disruption.

Some arriving flights may go ahead, but travellers are urged to be prepared for changes to schedules.

What should I do if I have a flight booked on 12 March?

Passengers with departing flights from Brussels Airport on 12 March are advised to rebook for a different date or contact their travel operator.

Air Canada has already announced it is offering a flexible rebooking policy for travel from Brussels Airport on 12 March.

Travellers can alter their flights without extra cost within a range of dates around the strikes or choose to cancel their booking and receive credits or future travel funds.

Those who choose to travel on 12 March should monitor the status of their flight and avoid going to the airport unless their departure is confirmed.