No departing passenger flights at Brussels Airport on 12 March, Charleroi hit too

Anyone planning to fly from Brussels Airport next Thursday will be disappointed.  Because security and baggage staff are participating in the national trade union day of action, the national airport is cancelling all departing flights.

Incoming flights may also be cancelled, Brussels Airport warns.

On 12 March, Belgium's three major trade unions are converging on Brussels to protest against the federal government's policies. They have been campaigning for some time now against what they see as attacks on social provisions and benefits.

Charleroi hit too

Charleroi Airport in Wallonia will even be closed on Thursday 12 March. No flights will be able to depart or arrive.

‘Due to the national demonstration planned on Thursday 12 March and the lack of staff to ensure safe operations, Charleroi Airport will not be able to carry out scheduled departures and arrivals,’ the airport's website states.

‘Passengers who were due to fly via Charleroi on 12 March will be contacted by their airline in the coming days – and no later than Tuesday 10 March – for a rebooking or refund. We regret the impact of this national strike on our passengers' travel plans and apologise for the inconvenience caused.’

Local transport walk out anticipated

Flemish local transport company De Lijn has also announced possible disruption to services on 12 March. De Lijn trade unions are unleashing strike action to protest against federal government policies. As a result, there will be fewer buses and trams running throughout Flanders.

Earlier, the Brussels local transport company MIVB also warned of disruption on 12 March. Because the demonstration will pass through Brussels, some lines will be disrupted.