As a 24-hour strike notice has been issued by some of Belgium’s largest trade unions, Brussels Airport is likely to cancel all departures on 12 March 2026. If the strike goes through, heavy disruptions should be expected throughout Belgium’s public services and the transport industry.
Some of Belgium’s largest trade unions, including FGTB/ABVV, CSC/ACV, and CGSLB/ACLVB, have issued a 24-hour strike notice for what is expected to be a nationwide strike on 12 March 2026. The unions are organising a large-scale protest in Brussels, aimed at addressing the unpopular labour, pension and budget reforms by the Belgian government.
More specifically, the unions are protesting against pension cuts and the so-called Malus Jambon, against the persecution of job seekers and sick people, and against the ‘light’ index jump, which they consider to be a direct attack on people’s purchasing power. Instead, they are demanding good working conditions, greater purchasing power, decent pensions, and fair taxation.
Impact on the aviation industry
Throughout 2025, similar events have caused widespread transport disruptions in the country, as well as numerous flight cancellations at both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
With that in mind, it is expected that Brussels Airport will be forced to cancel all departing flights on 12 March 2026, as security staff, baggage handlers and air-traffic controllers are likely to join the strike. While some of the arriving flights should be able to go ahead, travellers should be aware of possible changes in their flight schedule.
In order to anticipate the disruption caused by the strike, several airlines, such as Air Canada, have already taken action on their end. The Canadian airline has introduced a flexible rebooking policy for travel from Brussels on 12 March, which allows travellers to change flights cost-free within a range of dates around the strike or to entirely cancel their booking, allowing them to earn credits for future travel.
Travellers who are scheduled to depart from Brussels Airport on 12 March are advised to rebook their flight if possible or contact their travel agent or airline. All passengers should check their flight schedule before travelling to the airport in order to avoid being stuck due to a cancelled flight. As Brussels Airport handled some 65,000 passengers on a comparable day in 2026, the impact of the strike could be big.
As the European Union Regulation EC 261/2004 stipulates, those who are affected by flight cancellations or significant delays are entitled to refunds or re-routing at the earliest opportunity. Travellers should also be given meals and accommodation if necessary.
