Brussels Airport and other major transportation hubs across Belgium are bracing for a day of unprecedented disruption as a nationwide strike over government austerity plans brings travel to a near standstill. On November 26, 2025, all departure flights at Belgium’s largest airport, Brussels-Zaventem, will be canceled, while 110 of the 203 scheduled incoming flights are also being scrapped, according to airport spokespeople and confirmed by multiple outlets including Reuters and VRT. The remaining 93 inbound flights are, for now, expected to operate as planned, but the ripple effects are likely to be felt far beyond the airport’s perimeter.
The strike, which began on November 24 and is set to last three days, is not limited to airports. It’s sweeping through Belgium’s entire transportation infrastructure. Railway services operated by the national rail company SNCB are severely curtailed from 10 p.m. on November 23 until the end of November 26, with only a fraction of trains running. Public transport in Brussels and Flanders is also disrupted, as the City of Brussels and the Flemish transport operator De Lijn have warned of fewer bus and tram services throughout the action. Eurostar’s international train services, connecting London St Pancras to Brussels, have suffered delays and cancellations, leaving many travelers stranded or scrambling for alternatives.
At the heart of the turmoil are government proposals to reform labor laws governing benefits and pensions—a response to Belgium’s mounting public debt. The center-right coalition government, led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever since February, reached a budget agreement early on November 24. De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, has defended the measures as essential to “guarantee the sustainability” of the country’s welfare state, according to statements reported by Metro UK. However, unions and many workers see the proposed changes as a threat to hard-won social protections.
Part of the airport’s security and ground-handling staff are participating in the strike, which has forced the mass cancellation of flights. The impact is especially acute for international travelers. Around 30 flights to the UK alone are affected, with major carriers such as British Airways, easyJet, and Brussels Airlines forced to ground or reroute services. Brussels South Charleroi Airport, a hub for Ryanair and other budget airlines, has also announced a total shutdown of arrivals and departures on November 26, according to a statement on its website.
The consequences for passengers are immediate and far-reaching. Hundreds—if not thousands—are being forced to make last-minute arrangements, with many left in limbo about when, or even if, they’ll reach their destinations. The responsibility for rerouting canceled flights falls squarely on the airlines, as confirmed by an airport spokesperson to Reuters. For those caught in the chaos, the rules about their rights are clear but may offer only limited comfort.
Under UK and EU regulations, passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled are entitled to assistance from their airline. This includes meals, accommodation, and alternate travel arrangements, depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. According to guidelines cited by Metro UK, for short-haul journeys (up to 1,500 kilometers), support kicks in after a two-hour wait; for medium-haul (1,500 to 3,500 kilometers), after three hours; and for long-haul (over 3,500 kilometers), after four hours. If a flight is canceled, travelers can opt for a refund for any unused portion of their ticket or request to be rebooked on an alternative route—at no extra cost.
However, the process isn’t always straightforward. Airlines typically hand out vouchers at the airport for meals or accommodation, but passengers are advised to keep receipts for any expenses and claim them back later. The Civil Aviation Authority notes that only “reasonable” expenses will be reimbursed—so don’t expect to get the cost of a penthouse suite or minibar covered. And for those who booked with non-UK or non-EU airlines, terms and conditions may differ, so checking the fine print is crucial.
For the UK-bound, the disruption is particularly acute. Flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Newcastle to Brussels are all affected. According to data from FlightRadar24, London Heathrow alone sees 49 flights per week to the Belgian capital. With so many connections severed, the knock-on effects are being felt not just in Belgium but across Europe.
The strike’s reach extends beyond air and rail. Public transport in cities like Brussels has been thrown into disarray, with warnings of “disrupted services” and fewer buses and trams. Even Eurostar’s international trains have been caught up in the turmoil, with several services canceled or delayed and more expected as the strike continues. Travelers from London St Pancras to Brussels are being urged to check their train status before heading to the station.
The unions behind the strike are adamant that their action is justified. The general workers union FGTB, for example, has pointed out that a major demonstration in Brussels two weeks ago was met with “total silence” from the government. Their message is clear: they will not stand by as the government pushes through austerity measures they believe will undermine the country’s social fabric.
For Prime Minister De Wever and his government, the stakes are high. Belgium’s budget deficit has become a pressing concern, and the coalition argues that without tough reforms, the country’s welfare state is at risk. Yet, the backlash from unions and the general public highlights the deep divisions over how best to address the nation’s financial woes. The government’s insistence that the new budget is the “only way” forward has done little to mollify critics or ease tensions on the ground.
As the strike enters its final day, uncertainty reigns. While some flights and trains may resume as scheduled once the action ends, the logistical challenges of rebooking thousands of passengers and restoring normal service will likely linger. For many travelers, the experience serves as a stark reminder of how quickly political decisions and labor unrest can upend even the best-laid plans.
With Belgium’s transportation network still reeling, all eyes are on the government and the unions to see whether a compromise can be reached—or if more disruption lies ahead. For now, the message to travelers is clear: check your flight, keep your receipts, and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
