National Strike: Brussels Airport cancels all departing flights on 14 October
All departing passenger flights from Brussels Airport on 14 October have been cancelled due to a national strike. Some arriving flights will also be affected, the airport announced on Tuesday.
“Due to the national trade union action on 14 October and the announced strike by a large number of employees at security service provider G4S, Brussels Airport unfortunately expects a major impact on airport operations that day,” the airport said.
All departing flights will be cancelled, and some incoming flights may be affected as well. Airlines will inform passengers directly about flight cancellations and their options.
Trade unions have been protesting against austerity measures for months in Belgium. The airport said that the upcoming strike is already the sixth national demonstration to have a significant impact on the airport and its airlines, "even though these actions are directed against the policies and measures of the federal government".
'Destroying social security'
In July, prime minister Bart De Wever announced what he called "the biggest socio-economic reform this country has seen this century". The agreement, which includes reforms to pension and unemployment benefits, was met with strong criticism from trade unions.
"With the summer agreement, the Arizona government has destroyed our social security, our social rights, our purchasing power and our future prospects," said the ABVV trade union in its call to demonstrate in Brussels on 14 October.
Social dialogue
On Tuesday morning, De Wever met up with trade unions and employer associations to discuss social issues and the federal budget. It was the first time since February that he held talks with social partners.
During the meeting, De Wever promised to consult the social partners more often, according to the ABVV and ACV unions. "Everyone was able to express their concerns," said ACV chair Ann Vermorgen. "The ACV has already expressed its serious concerns about the pension reforms."
Gert Truyens, chairman of the ACLVB trade union, welcomed the fact that the talks had finally taken place, but said that they needed to happen more regularly.
“We highlighted the pressure on purchasing power, the impact of pension legislation, and the need for a proactive, joint approach to challenges such as AI. We are now looking forward to the next agenda and expect these consultations to continue,” he said.
Cancelled flights at Brussels Airport during a national strike on 31 March 2025 © BELGA PHOTO INE GILLIS
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