Belgium Travel Chaos: What to Do If Your Flight Is Affected by Airport Strikes

When are the Airport Worker Strikes in Belgium?

On February 13th, airport workers in Belgium began a series of strikes to take place on the 13th of each month until an agreement has been reached. The Brussels Times reported that Brussels Airport (BRU) alone had cancelled 430 flights in response to the first strike.

Passengers in the region have already faced countless flight disruptions as a result, with more cancellations and delays to come if the work stoppages continue as planned. If you have travel plans coinciding with these dates, here’s what you need to know to prepare.

Who Will be Affected by the Airport Worker Strikes in Belgium?

Travellers flying to or from any of the major airports in Belgium will most likely be impacted by the strikes. This includes Brussels Airport (BRU), the busiest international airport in the country as well as Charleroi Airport (CRL), which is a major hub for many popular budget carriers. Antwerp Airport (ANR) and Liège Airport (LGG), while small, will also see delays and cancellations as a result of the strike.

Passengers flying with any of the following airlines will also have to prepare for strike-related flight disruptions if their travel plans are on or near the 13th of each month.

Affected Airlines

• Brussels Airlines
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Swiss International
• Air France
• British Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Emirates
• Ryanair
• Wizz
• easyJet
• Vueling
• TUI Fly Belgium
• United Airlines
• Delta
• Air Canada
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways

What to Expect & How You Could be Affected

When airport workers go on strike it doesn’t only affect flight departures, but arrivals and connecting flights as well. If your travel plans include any airport in the region, here’s what to expect:

Lengthy Delays: The entire region could be affected as flight disruptions could lead to a ripple effect, impacting airports in neighboring countries. If you are flying to, from, or through Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt you might also face flight disruptions. If your delay is 5+ hours, you have the option of a replacement flight or a refund at no extra cost.

Cancelled Flights: Airlines have already cancelled numerous flights. If yours is cancelled, you can expect the airline to offer you a rebooking to your destination or a refund if you decide not to travel.

Baggage Delays: Fewer baggage handlers will be available, which could lead to baggage delays and slower service.

Rerouted Flights: Airlines could divert your flight to a nearby airport to avoid those in Brussels.

A shortage of alternative flights: During widespread disruptions, airlines will have trouble putting you on another flight to your destination.

Missed Connecting Flights: Numerous cancellations and delays could easily lead to missed connections in the region.

How to Prepare for the Brussels & other Belgium Airport Strikes

The best way to prepare for the airport worker strikes is to reschedule your flight. If you have a non-refundable ticket, try contacting your airline to see if they will allow you to make a preemptive change to your itinerary. Many airlines will allow these changes when strike situations are imminent. 

If you can’t cancel or change your flight without incurring fees, wait until the airline issues the cancellation so you can get a refund for your ticket.

1. Avoid flying on the 13th-15th of each month. Doing this will avoid the strike as well as the potential ripple effect that will result from numerous delays and cancellations.
2. Check your flight status on a regular basis if you must travel on or near the 13th.The best way to do this is to download your airline’s app or check their website regularly. You can also use AirAdvisor’s Flight Tracker to see if your flight has been delayed or cancelled.
3. Pack travel essentials in your carry-on bag to help you ride out long delays. Include a change of clothing, toiletries, and anything you might need for enduring long waits in the airport.
4. Check your travel insurance policy to see what they will cover in the event of strike related travel disruptions.
5. Read up on your passenger rights. Airport and air traffic control strikes are unlikely to lead to compensation payouts, but it is worth checking to see if your disrupted flight is eligible for as much as £520 (€600). You can do this by entering your basic flight information into our flight compensation calculator.

Bottom Line

The Belgium Airport strikes could last several months, so be sure to plan your flights accordingly to avoid the cost and inconvenience of flight disruptions. If your travel plans have been affected and you need help with a compensation claim, our legal team here at AirAdvisor is always ready to help.

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