Charleroi Airport Strike to Disrupt Over 800 Flights

September 17, 2026 — Air traffic controllers at Belgium's Charleroi Airport initiated a planned strike yesterday, September 16, a move expected to affect more than 800 flights. The industrial action, involving night shifts, is scheduled to run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until October 10, according to Belgian air traffic control provider Skeyes.

Industrial Action Details

The strike commenced on September 16 and will continue for several weeks, specifically impacting night shifts. Air traffic controllers are withholding their services between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. each night through October 10. This period of industrial action is set to disrupt operations at Charleroi Airport significantly.

Expected Flight Disruptions

Skeyes, the Belgian air traffic control provider, has detailed the anticipated impact on flight schedules. Over the entire strike period, the agency expects 487 morning flights and 345 night flights to be affected. This brings the total number of disrupted flights to 832. The full extent of the impact on airline rotation schedules is currently unclear, as reported by The Brussels Times.

Dispute Over Night-Shift Bonuses

The decision to strike follows a breakdown in negotiations regarding night-shift bonuses for air traffic controllers at Charleroi. The dispute centers on these financial incentives, leading to the current industrial action. Further details on the specific demands of the controllers or ongoing negotiation efforts were not immediately available.

As the strike continues, passengers traveling through Charleroi Airport are advised to check with their respective airlines for potential flight alterations or cancellations. The situation is under continuous monitoring by aviation authorities.