Nationwide strike in Belgium hits airports

Reuters

Belgium’s two largest airports, Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport, have confirmed that no departing passenger flights will operate on February 13 due to a nationwide strike. Cancellations are also possible on arriving flights. Impacted passengers will be notified by their airline.

A national strike is being organised by the joint trade union front on this day, as part of protest campaign against employment reforms proposed by the so-called Arizona coalition government. Planned changes include pension reforms, wage freezes, changes to the way annual indexations happen, longer working hours and other contractual adaptations.

Authorities at both airports the airport and to check directly with their airlines for rebooking options.The airport terminal will remain open but officials have urged passengers to avoid all travel to the hub and have expressed “regret for the inconvenience this action causes.”

Belgium's largest airport in Zaventem has announced it is expecting a significant impact on its operations because its handling agents and security personnel are participating in the strike. 

“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing passenger flights on 13 February,” the airport confirmed in a statement.

The national demonstration will also severely impact Brussels-South Airport in Charleroi.

"Due to the lack of staff present to ensure operations run safely, all flights scheduled to depart from Charleroi Airport have been cancelled. Only incoming Schengen flights will be operating," the airport said in a statement.

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