Brussels Airport Halts All Departing Flights Amid Looming National Strike

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Brussels Airport has announced the cancellation of all departing flights on 26 November 2025, citing an impending nationwide strike that will heavily disrupt airport operations. The strike, organized by major Belgian trade unions, is expected to involve security and ground-handling staff, prompting the airport and airlines to take preventive measures to protect both passengers and operations.

What’s Going On: Strike Details & Airport Response

According to Brussels Airport, the strike scheduled for 26 November 2025 will involve “security and handling staff” from the airport’s service provider.  In a public statement, the airport said it is “not operating any departing flights … in consultation with the airlines” due to expected large-scale absenteeism and operational risks.

The decision comes as part of a three-day national strike, during which private-sector workers are set to join public-sector staff.  The airport noted that while the industrial action runs from 24–26 November, the worst disruption is expected on the final day, when all departures are canceled.

Background: Why the Strike Is Happening

The strike is rooted in growing labor unrest over government economic reforms, particularly pension reform and austerity measures, according to union leaders.  Belgian trade unions, including major names like FGTB/ABVV and CSC/ACV, are protesting reform measures they argue undermine workers’ protection and livelihood.

This is not the first major strike to hit Brussels Airport in 2025. Previous nationwide actions have already caused significant disruption: on 31 March, all departures from Brussels Airport were canceled during a national day of protest.  Similar cancellations occurred on 14 October, when security staff walked out, prompting the airport to preemptively ground all outbound services.

Impact on Passengers & Flights

• Departure shutdown: On 26 November, no flights will depart from Brussels Airport.

  
  

• Arrivals may also be affected: While the airport has explicitly canceled outbound flights, it warns that incoming services could also face partial disruption.

  
  

• Airline communication: Airlines are reportedly contacting affected passengers to offer rebooking or refunds.

  
  

• Ground transport: The airport also warned that ground transportation could be disrupted, making getting to or from the terminals more complicated.

Broader Context: Strike History & Aviation Disruption

Belgium’s aviation sector has seen recurring labor action throughout 2025. Earlier this year:

• On 31 March, security workers walked out, canceling all departures at Brussels Airport.

  
  

• On 13 February, a similar nationwide strike caused the airport to shut down remaining outgoing flights because “security can no longer be guaranteed.”

  
  

• On 14 October, once again, departing flights were canceled due to a strike involving security staff from G4S, who refused to work.

Eurocontrol data reflects the scale of the disruption: the national strike on 31 March led to significantly fewer aircraft movements from Brussels airports, compared to typical activity levels.

Why Departures Are Being Targeted

The unions appear to be targeting security and ground handling staff — critical roles in airport operations. Without these workers, an airport cannot safely process departing passengers due to insufficient staffing for security checks, baggage handling, and other ground operations. Brussel’s airport said it made the cancellation decision “to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.”

By canceling all departures, the airport and airlines aim to minimize dangerous bottlenecks. It’s a preemptive measure: rather than try to operate with skeleton staff and risk dangerous conditions, they are shutting down departures completely for the strike day.

What This Means for Travel & Aviation

1. Passenger Disruption

   Thousands of travelers scheduled to depart Brussels on 26 November will be affected. Many will need to rebook, seek refunds, or change plans entirely

   
   

2. Travel Caution Advised

   Passengers flying into or out of Belgium around the strike date should monitor airline updates closely, check the airport status, and consider travel insurance or flexible tickets.

   
   

3. Operational Costs for Airlines

   Without departures, airlines will face revenue losses or additional costs for rebooking, hotel accommodations, and compensating passengers.

   
   

4. Reputational Risk

   Repeated strikes could damage confidence in Brussels as a reliable aviation hub. Business travelers and tourists alike might look for more stable alternatives.

   
   

5. Labor Pressure

   Strikes like these may force government or employer concessions — but they also risk economic fallout, especially if travel demand drops or rerouting becomes commonplace.

What to Watch Next

• Union Announcements: How the trade unions frame the strike demands and whether they escalate to include more airport services.

  
  

• Follow-Up Strikes: Whether more widespread action is planned beyond 26 November.

  
  

• Airline Customer Communications: How airlines handle rebooking, refunds, and passenger messaging.

  
  

• Government Response: Whether the Belgian government responds with negotiations or legal measures.

  
  

• Long-Term Airport Strategy: How Brussels Airport will manage labor relations to avoid recurring shutdowns and retain passenger trust.