No flights will depart from Brussels Airport next Tuesday, 1 October, due to a union-led protest, the airport announced in a press release on Friday evening.
"To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, the airlines, in consultation with Brussels Airport, have decided not to operate any departing passenger flights on 1 October," the airport operator said in a statement posted on its website. "The airlines are informing passengers directly of the cancellation of their flights."
Brussels Airport also noted that incoming flights will likely be impacted, potentially affecting around 50,000 passengers.
The unions have planned a demonstration in the European district of Brussels, which is expected to see significant participation from workers of an external security service provider, according to Brussels Airport.
The demonstration is being organised by European trade union federations UNI Europa and Effat in conjunction with Belgian unions, to demand respect, decent working conditions, and fair wages for hospitality staff, cleaners, and security personnel.
They are also calling for public procurement rules to be adjusted to include social criteria and to limit subcontracting.
"We ask passengers not to travel to the airport on 1 October," Brussels Airport said in its statement.
It added that, while inbound passenger flights may continue, it anticipates possible cancellations.
"We advise all passengers who are scheduled to arrive at Brussels Airport on 1 October to check the status of their flight with their airline or on our website," the airport operator said.
The impact on cargo flights is expected to be minimal.
