Brussels Airport is facing severe disruption, cancelling more than half of all incoming flights as a nationwide strike over government austerity measures brings travel chaos.
Widespread Flight Cancellations
The airport has taken the drastic step of cancelling 110 of its 203 scheduled incoming flights for Wednesday. While the exact number of affected departures remains unspecified, the impact is substantial.
British Airways has been particularly affected, cancelling all of its flight connections between London Heathrow and Brussels for the entire day, leaving passengers stranded.
Cause of the Industrial Action
The widespread disruption stems from industrial action by security and ground-handling staff. They are protesting against the Belgian government's recently agreed budget for the next year, which includes controversial tax hikes and spending cuts designed to reduce the national deficit.
This strike action continues despite the government having reached a budget deal, indicating deep-seated discontent with the austerity plans.
Further Disruption on the Horizon
The travel chaos is not expected to end with this strike. Further industrial action is already being planned, with rail workers preparing to strike in the New Year.
Their protest focuses on separate government plans to raise the retirement age, signalling ongoing and broadening social unrest in Belgium over economic policy.
