Flight Disruptions
Belgian national strike could cancel 140 flights at Brussels Airport on Friday

Belgian national strike could cancel 140 flights at Brussels Airport on Friday

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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Last updated on 7 October 2026

140

Affected flights

Affected airports

140

Affected flights

Affected airports

Disruption overview

Brussels Airport is preparing for cancellations on Friday as Belgium's nationwide strike reaches the airport, with ground-handling staff from Alyzia confirming they'll join the walkout. Industry forecasts point to around 140 canceled departures and arrivals, enough to remove about 20%-40% of a normal Friday schedule.

Because Alyzia supports a mix of airlines, the disruption is expected to affect the airport more broadly rather than one carrier alone. Compensation under EC 261 is usually unlikely when disruption is caused by a wider strike outside the airline's control, but passengers should still be offered care, rerouting, or refunds as needed.

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Disruption details

Brussels Airport is expecting flight cancellations on Friday as a nationwide strike in Belgium reaches the airport. For passengers, that could mean disrupted travel plans, longer waits, and last-minute changes before departure.

One of the key pressure points is Alyzia, one of the two ground-handling companies operating at Brussels Airport. Its staff have confirmed they'll join the walkout, affecting the behind-the-scenes work that keeps flights moving, including baggage loading, catering, refueling, and push-back.

In an update issued on 6 October 2026, the airport said several flights would be canceled. Airlines are still finalizing which services they can operate, and Brussels Airport says it will publish a fuller list once those plans are filed with the operations center.

The disruption could be significant:

Industry forecasts point to around 140 departures and arrivals being canceled.
Brussels Airport handles roughly 700 movements on a normal October Friday.
Up to 20%-40% of the day's schedule could be cut.

That would make this an airport-wide issue rather than a problem for a single airline. Alyzia works with a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers, so the effect could spread across different routes and operators.

The strike is part of a broader national protest over wages and purchasing power, backed by several Belgian trade unions. Air traffic controllers aren't expected to stop work, but reduced ground-handling capacity can still force airlines to cancel flights in advance because aircraft can't be turned around normally.

If you're due to fly from, to, or through Brussels on Friday, it's worth checking your airline's app or email alerts before you travel to the airport. The airport's live flight information pages should also help you track any last-minute changes.

Because this is a wider strike outside the airline's direct control, compensation under EC 261 is usually unlikely. Still, that doesn't mean you're without support. If your flight is canceled, your airline should offer rerouting or a refund, and it should also provide care and assistance such as meals, refreshments, and accommodation if you're stranded overnight.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Care and assistance

Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.

Accommodation

If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.

Communication

Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.

This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.

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Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Cancellations

Cause

Other strike

Status

Future – confirmed disruption

Compensation

Not eligible for compensation

Flights affected

140

Airports affected

Brussels Airport

Cities affected

Brussels

Countries affected

Belgium

Checked by

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Date updated

7 October 2026

What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked

If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.

Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.

Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.

Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.

Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.

Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.

If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.

Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.

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