The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated guidance for UK holidaymakers travelling to Belgium, warning of potential disruption from strike action and a large-scale demonstration in the coming weeks.
The European country is a popular destination for UK travellers, with millions visiting each year. The FCDO regularly updates its advice to help ensure trips run smoothly, and the latest notice highlights two key dates for anyone planning to travel.
Demonstration and strike dates
According to the FCDO guidance, a large-scale demonstration is expected to take place in central Brussels on Friday 9 October. The advice notes there is no confirmation on whether this will affect public transport or wider public services, including schools.
A public sector strike is planned for Monday 12 October, which may affect public transport and other public services. The guidance lists previous general strikes on 31 March, 29 April, 14 October, 26 November, 15 December 2025 and 12 March and 12 May 2026, adding that strike action may be announced at short notice.
Advice for travellers
The FCDO advises travellers to monitor local news and check with their provider regarding potential delays and closures, and to always check with their travel operator for the latest updates.
Trade union ACOD/VGSP are planning a protest in Belgium on this date to demonstrate against a round of budget cuts.
There are no direct flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Belgium, but the route is popular from nearby Manchester Airport, which offers direct flights taking around one hour and 25 minutes.
The warning comes in a busy week for the Speke-based airport, with Ryanair announcing new flight routes from Liverpool as part of a big expansion of its winter schedule. Starting this winter, Ryanair will fly from Liverpool to Milan Bergamo, Copenhagen, Gdańsk, Porto, Tirana, and Warsaw. While most of those destinations are colder cities where festive activities will be at the top of the itinerary, Porto can offer a slice of sunshine during the winter months.
