- Flight Disruptions
- Belgium’s 12 March national strike grounds flights at Brussels and Charleroi
Belgium’s 12 March national strike grounds flights at Brussels and Charleroi
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
By Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 12 March 2026
2
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
2
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
What Happened
Belgium is undergoing a 24-hour national strike on 12 March 2026 that is halting air travel. Brussels Airport has canceled all departures and most arrivals after a NOTAM set zero departure slots from midnight. Brussels South Charleroi Airport has suspended all passenger flights for the day. Public transport across Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia is severely curtailed, complicating airport access. Several airlines, including Air Canada, Brussels Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc, have introduced waiver policies for rebooking or refunds as passengers face rerouting via alternate hubs.
Flight Disruption Details
A nationwide 24-hour strike in Belgium on Thursday, 12 March 2026, is causing extensive air travel disruption. The action by the country’s major trade-union confederations has led to large-scale flight cancellations and transport limitations across multiple regions.
Brussels Airport has canceled all scheduled departures and the majority of arriving flights. A NOTAM issued by the civil-aviation authority set zero departure slots from midnight on 12 March. Ground-handling firms have advised airlines to remove aircraft from the airport to avoid them becoming stranded on the ground.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport has confirmed a full suspension of passenger flight operations for the entire day. With both major airports severely affected, travelers are facing widespread cancellations and rerouting.
Public transport services are also heavily disrupted. Operators in Brussels (STIB/MIVB), Flanders (De Lijn), and Wallonia (TEC) have warned that metro, tram, and bus services will be severely limited to non-existent, making it difficult to reach or leave the airports.
Airlines are responding with flexible policies. Air Canada, Brussels Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc have introduced waivers enabling free rebooking or refunds. Thousands of passengers, including many Moroccan nationals with Easter travel plans, are being rerouted through alternate hubs such as Paris and Amsterdam. Travelers are encouraged to use available waivers to adjust their itineraries.
Foreign authorities are alerting travelers to the disruption. On 11 March, Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry urged people to postpone travel to Belgium and to confirm flight status directly with their airlines.
Rail operators are adjusting where possible. Eurostar has added two extra train rotations on the London–Brussels route, though capacity remains constrained. Additional delays have been reported at Channel Tunnel immigration checkpoints, with Belgian Federal Police joining the strike from 06:00.
Union leaders have indicated the possibility of further rolling, sector-specific actions if talks do not progress, which could prolong or expand operational impacts beyond the current 24-hour period.
Given the confirmed cancellations at Brussels Airport and the complete halt of passenger operations at Charleroi for 12 March, affected travelers should verify flight status, consider rebooking using airline waivers, and plan for limited ground transport options.
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.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellation
Cause
Other strike
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Air Canada, Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc
Airports affected
Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Start date
2026-03-12
End date
2026-03-12
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
12 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you’re traveling to or from the European Union, here’s what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was cancelled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your cancelled flight ends up costing you extra money.
