Brussels Airport cancels departing passenger flights on 12 March due to national strike
No passenger flights will depart from Brussels Airport on 12 March because of the national trade union demonstration taking place in Brussels that day. The airport also expects disruption to incoming flights, it announced on Wednesday. It is the eighth time since the start of 2025 that air traffic has been affected by trade union action not directed at the airport itself.
According to the operator, many security staff and ground handlers will strike in connection with the demonstration. All departing passenger flights have therefore been cancelled "to guarantee the safety of passengers and staff and to avoid long queues".
The decision follows similar industrial action last year, when departing passenger flights were repeatedly cancelled. Airlines will contact passengers directly about their options. While some flights may still arrive on 12 March, cancellations are also expected for inbound services.
In 2025 alone, seven previous trade union actions disrupted traffic to and from Brussels Airport, resulting in 2,400 cancelled flights and 275,000 fewer passengers, according to the airport. The operator has criticised the impact of the actions, noting that they target government measures rather than the airport itself.
15 million euro loss
For Brussels Airlines, which is based at Zaventem and operates the largest share of flights at the airport, the strike will also have significant consequences. Because aircraft that cannot depart are also unable to return, the airline expects to cancel most of its scheduled services on 12 March.
The airline called on trade unions to take action in ways that do not repeatedly disrupt air traffic and operations unrelated to the dispute. "Last year, Brussels Airlines experienced severe operational disruptions on seven separate days, affecting more than 100,000 passengers and resulting in an estimated financial burden of more than 15 million euros," it said.
© BELGA PHOTO EMILE WINDAL
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