Charleroi cancels all flights on May 12, nearly half departing flights hit at Brussels Airport

On that day, Belgium’s three main trade unions socialist ABVV, Christian ACV, and liberal ACLVB are organising a national demonstration against federal government policies.

“Due to this day of action and the lack of staff to ensure flight safety, Charleroi Airport will be unable to operate its scheduled flights,” a press release states.

Passengers scheduled to fly that day will be contacted by their airline in the coming days regarding rebooking or refunds. The airport operator “regrets the impact and apologises for the inconvenience.”

Disruption also at Brussels Airport

Brussels Airport is asking airlines to reduce the number of departing passenger flights on 12 May and expects that, as a result, fewer than half of the scheduled departures will be able to take place.

Impact on incoming flights is described as “limited”  Whilst no passenger flights departed from Brussels Airport during earlier national strike days, the airport appears to expect a smaller impact on 12 May. “Together with all partners involved, Brussels Airport is working to ensure that as many flights as possible can still go ahead on that day,” the airport authorities said earlier. "To ensure this can be done safely and without excessive waiting times, airlines have been asked to limit the number of departing passenger flights on that day. Based on current information, just under half of the departing flights could go ahead." The airlines are adjusting their schedules and are informing their passengers directly. Brussels Airport expects only a ‘limited’ impact on incoming flights. 

Next week will mark the ninth time since early 2025 that air traffic has been disrupted by a union strike targeting government policy.