Due to a large-scale strike that will take place on Monday 31 March in Belgium, no passenger flights will depart from Brussels Airport in Zaventem on that day.
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 confirmed that all departing flights are cancelled on that day.
"Due to a national strike and the announced strike of a large number of the security staff and the personnel of the handlers, we expect major disruptions to airport operations on that day," reads a statement on the airport's website. "To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing passenger flights."
It concerns 244 departing flights. The airlines will contact passengers whose flight has been impacted and are asking passengers not to come to the airport on that day.
Arriving flights disrupted as well
"As departing passenger flights are cancelled, cancellations are also possible on arriving flights," they added. They advise all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline or on the website or the app. The flight overview on the website will show cancellations only once they are registered by the airline. "We regret any inconvenience caused by this union action. "
Last week, Brussels Airlines passengers could rebook their flight free of charge or request a refund. More than 60% of passengers have already made use of this option, the company said. "We regret that these actions are causing inconvenience to our passengers, but we will continue to do everything we can to assist them as best we can and find solutions."
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.
