At least 100 flights have been cancelled at Brussels Airport for Friday, October 9th, as Belgium prepares for a national strike that will affect air transport, public transportation and citizens' movement in the capital.
The surveys affect several international airline companies, including Brussels Airlines, Emirates and United Airlines, causing concerns for passengers travelling between Belgium, Great Britain, the United States and other European destinations.
According to the British newspaper The Independent, Brussels Airport confirmed on Thursday, October 8th that around 100 flights have been cancelled, while approximately 400 others are expected to be realised according to the plan.
Earlier reports of Belgian media had warned that up to 140 flights could be affected by strikes.
The disruptions come as employees of the Alyzia company, which offers ground services at the airport, have decided to join the national protest of trade unions against Belgian government policies.
Brussels Airport confirmed that several flights will be cancelled due to the lack of Alyzia personnel, companies that provide necessary services for several airlines.
Airport authorities have called on passengers to check flight status before leaving.
Which airlines are affected by strikes?
The strike mainly affects airline companies that depend on Alysia for land services.
These services include baggage processing, aircraft preparation, and other operations that need to be completed before flying.
Brussels Airlines is among the most affected companies.
According to Belgian television BRUZ, the company is expected to cancel about 40% of flights scheduled for Friday.
Initially, Brussels Airlines was planning to transport about 30,000 passengers during this day.
spokesperson Nico Cardone confirmed that the affected passengers would be contacted directly and offered travel alternatives or reimbursement.
Emirates and United Airlines are also among the affected companies, using Alysia services.
However, this does not mean that all flights of these companies will be canceled.
Passengers travelling with British Airways, iasyJet, Ryanair, TAI and Wizz Air are less likely to be directly affected by land personnel strikes.
These companies use Aviaparter services, another operator that is not expected to be included in work cuts.
Flights to London and Manchester are also canceled
Cuts have also affected air ties between Belgium and Great Britain.
According to British media reports, several Brussels Airlines flights between Brussels, London's Heathrow Airport and Manchester have been cancelled.
Cancels include flights in both directions.
However, schedules can change as airline companies reshuffle aircraft and passenger bookings.
Travelers using Brussels as a transit airport for international flights may also have problems.
For example, passengers arriving from North America and continuing on their journey to another European destination may lose their air connections.
Those who have booked connecting flights on a single ticket must contact the airline for assistance.
Brussels Metro and Buss With Major Cuts
The strike will not be limited to the airport.
Brussels' public transport operator, STIB, announced that the subway, tram and bus network will operate with very limited capacities Friday.
According to the forecast published on October 8th, only subway lines 1 and 5 are expected to be functional.
The trams are expected to operate lines 4, 7, 8, 10, 82 and 92.
While buses are expected to circulate on lines 14, 36, 46, 48, 58, 59, 71, 73, 87 and 95.
These services will also have lower frequency than usual.
The operator warned that the situation could change and that final information would be released Friday morning.
The night bus network, known as Noctis, will not work.
For tourists and business travelers, this can significantly make it difficult to move between railway stations, hotels, business centres, and tourist attractions.
Another strike is expected on Monday, October 12th
Friday's problems will not be the only transportation cuts in Belgium.
Another strike in the public sector is scheduled for Monday, October 12th.
Belgian Railway Operator The SNCB has announced that train services will be limited starting at 10: 00 a.m. on October 11th and throughout Monday.
The company will publish an alternative schedule, based on the number of employees that will be available.
Brussels airport currently does not expect Monday's strike to directly affect flights.
Travelers, however, may have difficulty reaching the airport because of disruptions in public transportation.
What happens to the Charleroi Airport?
Passengers traveling through Brussels South Charleroi Airport have received more positive news.
In a release published October 7th, the airport confirmed that it expects all flights scheduled for October 9th and 12th to be accomplished normally.
Travelers, however, may face difficulties on their way to the airport.
Authorities warned that road traffic and public transportation may be affected by demonstrations.
Especially the bus services between the Charleroi Central railway station and the airport may suffer disruptions.
Passengers are recommended to leave earlier.
It is important to note that Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi are two different airports.
The failure of a flight to Brussels Airport does not automatically mean that flights by Charleroi have been canceled.
Do passengers have a right to pay back?
Passengers whose flights are canceled may be eligible for remuneration or alternative transport under European Union regulations on passenger rights.
Under the European Commission's official directives, airline companies that are covered by these regulations should usually offer passengers the choice between paying back and an alternative journey.
Companies may also be obliged to provide food, drink and access when passengers should expect replacement flights.
However, the right to additional financial compensation depends on the circumstances.
European regulations predict that airport or foreign company personnel strikes may be considered extraordinary circumstances.
If the airline proves that the cancellation is caused by such circumstances, which cannot be avoided despite reasonable measures, it may not be obliged to pay additional compensation.
However, this does not automatically rule out the obligation to restore, alternative transport, or assistance.
Passengers are recommended to maintain booking confirmations, bills and communications with airline companies.
Why are employees protesting in Belgium?
The demonstrations are part of a broader dispute between Belgian unions and the federal government over economic and social policies.
According to The Brussels Times, trade unions are opposing proposed budgetary measures and reforms that, according to them, could negatively affect employees and public services.
Friday's protest is part of a series of national demonstrations against government policies.
Other union actions are expected Monday, including public sector and transport workers.
Repeated strikes have created uncertainty for businesses, travellers and airlines.
Brussels Airlines has expressed dissatisfaction with continuing interruptions, warning that the latest strike will affect thousands of passengers and cause significant financial consequences.
What must travelers do?
Passengers planning to travel through Belgium on October 9th should check the official site or the airline company's app before heading towards the airport.
They also need to check email and phone messages, as airline companies are directly contacting affected customers.
Travelers using public transportation must check the latest information from STIB and SNCB.
While those traveling to Charleroi Airport must plan more time for the road, even though flights are expected to be accomplished normally.
The situation could change during the development of strike and the reshuffle of flights.
For passengers travelling Friday, the main information is that Brussels Airport will remain operational, but a significant number of flights have already been cancelled.
With another strike scheduled for Monday, Belgium is preparing for several days of uncertainty in public and air transport.
