Belgian National Strike to Ground Most Flights May 12

May 7, 2026 — Belgium's trade-union front has announced a 24-hour general strike for Monday, May 12, with aviation services anticipated to experience significant operational disruption.

The strike is set to impact major Belgian airports, including Brussels, Charleroi, Antwerp, and Liège, which will operate on a "minimum service" basis. This follows a mandatory pre-notice filed by the Belgian air-traffic controllers’ union.

Aviation Disruption Expected

Airlines operating in Belgium have been instructed to prepare for widespread slot cancellations and are required to notify passengers of changes no later than 48 hours before their scheduled departure.

The timing of the strike coincides with the commencement of the summer conference season in Brussels and a busy period for the EU Council, potentially affecting numerous business travelers. Corporate travel managers are actively seeking alternative routes, including rerouting senior executives via Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam-Schiphol airports, or utilizing the Eurostar rail link.

Operational Challenges and Passenger Advice

Hotels in nearby cities such as Lille and Maastricht are reportedly experiencing an increase in last-minute bookings as companies implement overland contingency plans.

Despite the reduced flight schedule, Belgian authorities have requested airports to maintain full staffing for security lanes. However, trade unions representing ground handlers and security personnel are also participating in the walk-out, leading to potential longer queues for the limited services that will operate.

The Federal Police have indicated that manual passport stamping might be temporarily reintroduced if automated eGates are understaffed, which would further extend processing times for travelers.

Employers have been advised to avoid scheduling critical meetings in Belgium on May 12 and to enable remote participation where feasible. Travelers already in the country are encouraged to complete their outward journeys by Sunday evening, May 11.

Traveler Recommendations

• Book fully flexible tickets to allow for changes.
• Monitor airline alerts and official travel advisories closely.
• Consider rail alternatives such as Thalys or Eurostar for inter-European travel.

Multinational corporations with mobility teams in Brussels are activating traveler-tracking protocols to ensure duty-of-care compliance during the strike period.