The national strike in Belgium on March 31, 2025, is set to create widespread disruptions across various sectors, including air travel, education, public transport, and even supermarkets. With both Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport canceling all departing flights, over 800 flights are expected to be affected, leaving thousands of travelers in limbo.
According to estimates, Brussels Airport (Zaventem – BRU) will see nearly 600 flights canceled, while Charleroi Airport (CRL) will also suspend all outgoing flights. The strike, which is part of a larger movement against government pension reforms, is anticipated to cause significant delays and disruptions not just on the day of the strike, but in the days following as well.
Travelers whose flights are canceled are entitled to either an alternative flight or a full refund, although they will not receive additional compensation since strikes are classified as extraordinary circumstances. Airlines are required to provide assistance, including meals and, if necessary, hotel accommodations for stranded passengers. Travelers are encouraged to monitor their flight status closely and contact their airlines promptly to explore rebooking options.
Moreover, the impact of the strike will extend beyond air travel. A survey conducted by Teacher Tapp Vlaanderen indicates that one in five teachers plans to strike, driven by dissatisfaction with the government's pension plans. The education sector is bracing for closures, with the Onderwijsvereniging van Steden en Gemeenten (OVSG) reporting that 62 percent of its schools will not experience significant disruption. However, many students, particularly those relying on public transportation to reach their exams, may face challenges.
In response to the anticipated disruptions, some schools have adjusted their schedules, with 1,500 students in the Hasselt Sint-Quintinus school group starting their exam period a day earlier. Schools providing emergency care may have limited availability, and parents are advised to prepare for early pick-up times and to supply their children with lunch if necessary.
The public transportation system will also be heavily impacted. The NMBS, Belgium's national railway company, has announced that only half of its InterCity trains will operate, along with one-third of local and suburban trains. Commuters are advised to check the train schedules on the morning of the strike, as significant delays and cancellations are expected.
Similarly, De Lijn, the public transport provider in Flanders, anticipates that only half of its buses and trams will be in service. In major cities like Antwerp, only 25 percent of buses and trams are expected to run, while Gent will see about 45 percent operational. The Brussels MIVB is also warning of substantial disruptions and is urging passengers to seek alternative transportation options.
Garbage collection services will be suspended in most provinces, and residents are advised to hold off on putting out their waste until the next scheduled collection. Postal services will also be affected, with no mail delivery occurring as postal workers join the strike.
In the retail sector, supermarkets are bracing for shortages as distribution centers will be blocked, leading to less fresh food available on shelves. This could create challenges for those who typically do their grocery shopping on Mondays.
As the strike date approaches, various sectors are mobilizing to express their grievances. The culture sector plans to stage demonstrations at Muntplein in Brussels and Operaplein in Antwerp, highlighting the widespread discontent with government policies.
In the healthcare sector, while hospitals aim to maintain minimum staffing levels, some services may be disrupted. However, the Zorgnet-Icuro organization has assured that no urgent care will be compromised.
Finally, the public broadcaster VRT will also participate in the strike, with messages about the strike appearing during news broadcasts, indicating the comprehensive nature of the disruption.
As the strike looms, citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the developments and to prepare for potential disruptions in their daily routines. With the scale of the planned actions, it is clear that March 31, 2025, will be a pivotal day for many across Belgium.
