On Monday, 31 March, a nationwide general strike will bring Belgium to a standstill, with the most significant disruptions expected at Brussels Airport (BRU). The strike, led by major trade unions such as the FGTB/ABVV and CSC/ACV, is in protest against the new Federal Government’s proposed budget cuts, pension reforms, and labour market changes. These unions are protesting what they view as austerity measures that disproportionately affect the working class, pensioners, and vulnerable communities.
BRU, the country’s largest and busiest international hub, announced the cancellation of all 244 scheduled departures on 31 March due to the strike. The walkout will include ground crew, security personnel, and other essential airport staff, making it impossible for the airport to guarantee safe and effective operations. As a result, all flights departing from Zaventem will be cancelled, and arrivals are also expected to be severely disrupted. Passengers scheduled to travel from Brussels are being urged not to come to the airport on Monday. Those affected by the cancellations are advised to check the status of their flights directly with their airline or through the Brussels Airport website or app for updates, as cancellations will only be posted once registered by airlines.
In addition to the widespread flight cancellations, Brussels Airlines, the national carrier, confirmed that almost all of its 200 scheduled flights would be cancelled for the day. Only a handful of inbound flights from destinations such as Germany, Italy, and Spain will operate, although the airline still advises passengers to check for updates. Similarly, TUI fly is exploring options to reroute some of its flights, potentially departing from alternative airports in Belgium or surrounding countries, in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the strike.
