Travelers flying out of Brussels on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, are facing massive disruptions due to a nationwide strike impacting both Brussels Zaventem and Brussels South Charleroi airports. The strike, involving security, cleaning, and catering staff, has led to the cancellation of all departing flights at Brussels Airport, leaving approximately 42,000 passengers stranded, including 32,000 departing and 10,000 arriving passengers.
The situation at Brussels Airport has escalated rapidly, with the airport initially reducing expected arrivals to 14,000 from the original 24,000. Brussels Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, has already canceled 200 flights, affecting 21,000 passengers. While arriving flights are still operating, significant delays are expected. Passengers are advised to frequently check for updates with their airlines.
Charleroi Airport has also been hit hard by the strike, canceling all outgoing flights due to the limited availability of security staff. Initially, the airport had hoped to operate 30% of its scheduled flights, but this plan was abandoned. Incoming flights will continue as planned, but substantial delays are anticipated. This is not the first time Charleroi has faced such turmoil. In September, a surprise strike brought all flights to a halt, causing days of disruptions.
The strike is part of a broader European trade union movement protesting poor working conditions for essential workers, including cleaners, security guards, and food service employees. Protesters are demanding reforms to the EU’s public procurement directive to ensure fair wages, improved working conditions, and better services for the public.
Brussels Airport staff are voicing their dissatisfaction with excessive workloads, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and poor working conditions. Unions argue that while the airport operator profits, its workers are left struggling.
Travelers are strongly advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport and consider alternate travel plans as widespread cancellations and delays are expected to persist throughout the day. Cargo operations, however, will remain largely unaffected.
