Around 140 flights arriving at and departing from Brussels Airport face cancellation on Friday due to nationwide industrial action. Ground handling firm Alyzia's workforce will join the strike, disrupting services to and from London and Manchester.
Airport confirms disruption
In a statement published on its website, Brussels Airport confirmed: "On Friday 9 October there is a national manifestation."
Part of the staff from ground handler Alyzia is expected to take part in this action. Based on the current information approximately half of the flights handled by Alyzia is expected to operate as planned.
"Unfortunately, a number of flights will have to be cancelled. We regret the inconvenience caused by this union action."
Airlines and routes affected
Airlines impacted include Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia, and United Airlines. Brussels Airlines services to Heathrow at 4.55pm, to Manchester at 10am and 9.30pm, from Manchester at 8.30am and 1.30pm, and from Heathrow at 8pm have all been scrapped.
Routes to and from Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago face similar disruption. Nevertheless, all British Airways services on Friday to and from the Belgian airport remain scheduled to operate normally, along with Edinburgh connections.
Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air are likewise unaffected, as a different ground handling contractor manages their operations at the airport. Brussels Airlines confirmed its staff are not participating in the action.
Passenger rights and further action
The carrier stated: "We regret that this is already the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by industrial action taken by external parties."
"This action is disrupting the travel plans of thousands of passengers and is having a significant financial impact on Brussels Airlines."
Cancellations resulting from industrial disputes fall under "extraordinary circumstances" beyond airline control, meaning travellers cannot claim financial compensation.
Nevertheless, carriers must offer rebooking or full refunds free of charge, while providing meals, refreshments and overnight stays where necessary.
Airlines utilising Alyzia's services will notify affected passengers directly regarding their flight status and available alternatives. The firm handles baggage operations, ramp services, de-icing procedures, aircraft cleaning and cargo transportation.
It delivers baggage management and ground handling support for approximately 20 carriers operating from Brussels Airport.
Further industrial action is anticipated on Monday throughout Belgium's public sector, although aviation operations will remain unaffected. Public transport networks are, however, likely to face significant disruption which may hamper travel to and from Brussels Airport.
