All Thursday flights cancelled at Charleroi airport due to strike

All flights scheduled for Thursday at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) have been cancelled due to a spontaneous strike, the airport announced early this morning.

"All flights to and from Charleroi airport have been cancelled. Due to the strong mobilisation of the union delegations, we cannot guarantee security," said Nathalie Pierard, BSCA communications director, at around 06:00 on Thursday morning.

Pierard said she regretted that passengers were being held hostage by the wildcat strike. Passengers who were due to fly normally on Thursday are advised not to go to the airport and to contact their airline. The strike affects most operational functions (baggage, check-in, aircraft refuelling).

BSCA's management said it was "very surprised" by the action. The unions had given notice of strike action on 4 September, but this is still pending and the action would only take place from 19 September, when the notice expires.

On Wednesday, the management proposed a meeting, but the unions did not respond.

^{© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR}