Brussels Airport Faces 140 Flight Cancellations Amid Ground Staff Strike

Ground Staff Strike Impacts Brussels Operations

October 8, 2026 — Brussels Airport (BRU) is preparing for significant disruption on Friday, October 9, with approximately 140 flights expected to be cancelled due to a planned strike by ground handling staff.

The industrial action, stemming from protests against governmental policies, involves ground handling company Alyzia, which provides essential services such as baggage processing and passenger aircraft ground support for about 20 airlines operating at the Belgian hub. The strike is described as nationwide, indicating broader industrial unrest.

Affected Airlines and Services

Among the airlines directly impacted by the strike are Brussels Airlines, the airport's primary carrier, along with ITA Airways and Air Arabia. United Airlines is also listed as an airline served by Alyzia, suggesting potential disruptions for its passengers.

Passengers scheduled to fly with these carriers should anticipate possible delays or cancellations. However, ground handling for airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and British Airways is managed by other providers at Brussels Airport, meaning their operations are less likely to be directly affected by this specific strike.

Passenger Rights and Compensation

Brussels Airport authorities and airlines are advising passengers of the potential for significant disruption. Due to the nature of the industrial action, it is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance." This designation typically means that passengers whose flights are cancelled may not be entitled to monetary compensation under European regulations.

Despite this, airlines retain a "duty of care" to affected passengers. This obligation includes providing rebooking options or full refunds for cancelled flights. Additionally, carriers are generally required to offer food and drink, and accommodation if necessary, to passengers experiencing prolonged delays or overnight cancellations.

Beyond air travel, broader public transport services within Brussels are also expected to face disruptions concurrently with the airport strike, potentially complicating travel to and from the airport for passengers and staff alike. Authorities are urging travelers to check their flight status with their respective airlines and factor in potential public transport issues when planning their journeys.