Nationwide Strike Grounds Belgian Flights
A major nationwide strike in Belgium over austerity measures has forced the cancellation of all departure flights from the country's primary airports on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, creating significant disruption for hundreds of UK-bound passengers. The industrial action, which began on Monday, November 24, is a protest against government plans to alter labour laws concerning benefits and pensions in an effort to address the country's growing debt.
Impact on Major Airports and UK Routes
Brussels-Zaventem Airport, Belgium's largest airport, will cancel all departing flights and 110 of its 203 incoming flights. A spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that airlines will be responsible for rerouting the cancelled services. The remaining 93 incoming flights are not currently expected to be axed. This action directly affects approximately 30 flights to the UK operated by carriers including British Airways, easyJet, and Brussels Airlines.
Furthermore, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, a key hub for Ryanair, will see no flights arriving or departing, according to a statement on its website. These cancellations mean travellers flying to Brussels from UK airports such as London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Newcastle must make alternative arrangements.
Wider Travel Disruption and Passenger Rights
The strike's impact extends beyond aviation. Railway services operated by SNCB will be disrupted for all three days of the action, with fewer trains running from 10pm on November 23 until the end of November 26. Public transport in Brussels and Flanders will also run reduced services. Eurostar has warned of potential knock-on effects, with some international services already experiencing delays and cancellations, impacting Brits travelling from London St Pancras.
If your flight is cancelled, you have specific rights. UK and EU airlines are legally required to provide care, which can include meals, accommodation, and alternative travel arrangements. You are typically eligible for this support if your flight is delayed by two hours for short-haul, three hours for medium-haul, or four hours for long-haul journeys.
Passengers also have the right to choose between a full refund for the unused part of their ticket or being rebooked on an alternative route to their final destination at no extra cost. It is advisable to keep all receipts for reasonable expenses to claim back from the airline.
