Massive Airport and Rail Strike to Disrupt Transport in Belgium
An airport and rail strike in Belgium is set to disrupt flights and train services this week, with hundreds of cancellations expected.
Three-day strike in Belgium
A three-day nationwide strike will significantly affect public transport across Belgium.
The strike, called in protest against the Belgian federal government’s reform plans, began yesterday (Sunday 23 November) at 22:00 and will continue for 72 hours, ending on Wednesday 26 November at 22:00.
The strike is expected to build over the three days, with only some workers participating on the 24th, public servants striking on the 25th, and a nationwide strike involving both public and private sector workers called by unions on the 26th.
Travellers within Belgium, as well as international passengers arriving in or departing from the country, are advised to check whether their bus, train, or flight may be affected by the strike.
Airport strike in Belgium
Flights to and from Belgium will be severely affected on 26 November, as security and ground handling staff at Belgian airports go on strike.
Brussels Airport has decided to close completely to departing flights on the 26th, handling only a few arriving flights that day.
If you fly into Brussels Airport on the 26th, you are advised to check with the airline about the status of your flight.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, mainly used by low-cost airlines, has announced that it will be completely closed on the 26th for both arrivals and departures.
Knock-on effect
The airport strike is expected to have a knock-on effect on flight operations on the 25th and 27th, with some flights on these days potentially being cancelled as well.
Due to flight crews and planes being out of place, the effects are likely greatest after the strike.
Belgian airports have already advised passengers flying on the 25th and 27th to arrive early due to larger-than-usual crowds.
If your flight is cancelled or you are denied boarding due to overbooking, remember that European passenger rights still apply when flying with an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) airline to or from Belgium, or with any airline departing from a Belgian airport.
Although an airport strike like this is considered an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control, meaning you are not entitled to compensation, the airline still has a duty of care, such as providing meals, drinks, or accommodation if you are stranded.
Belgian rail strike
Railway workers in Belgium will strike for the full three-day period.
However, a limited domestic train service throughout Belgium will be maintained throughout the rail strike.
A provisional train timetable for the strike period has been published on the official Belgian Railways website, although passengers are advised to check the schedule on the day as well and expect possible last-minute cancellations.
Which trains will operate in Belgium during the strike?
On 24 and 25 November, one in every two InterCity (IC) trains will be cancelled, along with two out of every three regional and commuter trains (S and L services).
On 26 November, two out of every five InterCity trains are likely to be cancelled, as are three out of every five S and L services.
Very few P trains (extra peak-hour services) are expected to operate on these days.
Some international train services to and from Belgium, including those operated by Eurostar, will also be cancelled during the three-day strike.
Public transport
Local and regional public transport operators in Belgium have also warned of bus, tram, and metro cancellations across the country.
De Lijn, which operates buses and trams in Flanders, has published alternative timetables online for the duration of the strike.
For public transport in Wallonia, consult the TEC website for the alternative strike timetable, and for the Greater Brussels area, check the STIB-MIVB website for their alternative timetable and an overview of disruptions.
Conclusion
A three-day nationwide strike in Belgium will severely disrupt public transport, particularly flights and train services.
On 26 November, Brussels Airport will close completely to departing flights and handle only a few arrivals, while Charleroi Airport will be closed to both arrivals and departures that day.
Train services across Belgium will also be affected, as the walkout of many rail workers forces the national railway company to cancel around half of its trains during the three-day strike.
