A large-scale strike will be taking place on Monday 31 March. Brussels Airlines has warned that this mobilisation could disrupt Brussels Airport, and is giving passengers alternative options.
The socialist trade union FGTB/ABVV and Christian union CSC/ACV are organising a general strike in Belgium on Monday 31 March. The strike aims to denounce a series of measures put forth by the Federal Government. Belgium's largest rail unions had already confirmed they would be taking part. Now, Brussels Airlines has alerted passengers that air traffic will also be disrupted.
"This demonstration will most likely have an impact on the handling companies at Brussels Airport," it noted in a statement.
"We are currently assessing the impact these social actions will have on our flight schedule. We have not cancelled any flights at this time, and we ask for your patience."
However, the company said on Wednesday that, even if passengers' flights are scheduled to go ahead as planned for now, they can check alternative flights for the flight dates 28 March 2025 to 9 April 2025, and rebook for free via Brussels Airlines' chat assistant Charlie.
"If Charlie is unable to rebook you, you can always enter 'live chat' to be connected to a real agent," the company noted. Meanwhile, people who no longer wish to travel can cancel their flight and request a refund. This can be done via the Brussels Airlines website by choosing 'voluntary cancellation'.
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The impact of the general strike is expected to be massive, as were the previous days of national protest organised in mid-January and mid-February, which saw the country grind to a halt. The impact at Brussels Airport was significant each time: 40% of flights were cancelled on 13 January, and no flights departed or arrived in Belgium on 13 February.
On the last strike day, it was mainly the work stoppage by air traffic controller Skeyes that brought airport activity to a standstill.
