Brussels Airport faces 140 flight cancellations on Friday due to ground staff strike

Ground handling walkout at Zaventem

Brussels Airport expects the cancellation of around 140 flights on Friday, 9 October 2026, due to planned industrial action by ground personnel. The disruption follows a decision by staff at baggage and ramp handling provider Alyzia to join a nationwide trade union protest against Belgian federal government policies. Alyzia currently provides ground handling operations for 21 airlines at the Zaventem facility. Airport management announced on Tuesday that reduced staffing levels among Alyzia personnel will limit operational capacity across check-in, ramp, and baggage services. Based on available planning data, approximately half of all flights scheduled to be handled by Alyzia will operate as scheduled, while the other half must be cancelled.

Impact on Brussels Airlines and passengers

Brussels Airlines, the largest carrier operating out of Brussels Airport, announced that it will cancel approximately 40% of its scheduled flights on Friday as a precautionary measure. Nearly 30,000 passengers are scheduled to travel with the Belgian flag carrier on the day of the walkout. The airline stated that it will contact affected passengers proactively to offer alternative flight arrangements or ticket refunds. Customers can also check the current status of their bookings through the dedicated section on the company website.

Passengers whose flights are cancelled will be contacted proactively and offered an alternative travel solution or can opt for a refund of their ticket. Passengers can also check the status of their flight via the "My Booking" section on our website.

Both Brussels Airlines and Brussels Airport management released statements deploring the trade union action and the resulting inconvenience for travellers. Airline officials urged all passengers booked on Friday departures to verify their flight status before travelling to the airport terminal.

Operations at Aviapartner and unaffected carriers

The flight cancellations will not extend across all ground operations at Brussels Airport. Flights managed by Aviapartner, the other primary ground handling company active at the Zaventem hub, are projected to operate without interruption on Friday. Aviapartner provides ramp and baggage services to several carriers, including budget operators Ryanair and TUI fly. Airport authorities confirmed that no schedule disruptions are currently expected for flights overseen by Aviapartner staff. In contrast, the 21 airlines serviced by Alyzia are adapting their flight schedules, notifying ticket holders, and arranging alternate travel options for cancelled journeys.

Nationwide demonstrations and transit warnings

The airport strike coincides with a broader national day of action organized by Belgium's main trade union confederations, the FGTB (ABVV) and the CSC (ACV). The labor groups called the mobilisation to protest against economic and governance measures introduced by the Belgian federal government. The FGTB is staging a national protest demonstration through central Brussels on Friday. At the same time, activists from the CSC plan to march directly to the headquarters of the political parties that make up the federal government coalition. Public transport operator STIB (MIVB) warned commuters that municipal bus, tram, and metro lines across the Brussels metropolitan area will also face potential service disruptions throughout the day.