October 8, 2026 — Update to our October 7 story. An unannounced strike stopped TEC buses and trams around Liège and Charleroi on Thursday, a day before the national action day. For Friday, Brussels Airlines is cancelling about 40% of its flights and De Lijn expects about 60% of its buses and trams to run. Trains run normally on Friday. The rail strike still starts Sunday at 10 pm.
Thursday: wildcat strike at TEC
- Liège-Verviers: All depots were blocked from the morning. The Liège tram stopped completely and many bus lines were cancelled.
- Charleroi: Buses and trams were almost at a standstill, with heavy disruption around Mons as well.
- Why: Drivers walked out after a management email on Wednesday evening about ending end-of-career arrangements. Management calls the stoppage unjustified.
- What next: Unions and management were due to meet at about 2 pm Thursday. The outcome is TBA. L’Avenir says Liège will be disrupted on Friday whatever is decided.
- Charleroi Airport bus: No report said whether it was affected.
Friday, October 9
- Brussels Airport: Still about 140 flights cancelled. The airport says about half of the flights handled by Alyzia will run. Flights handled by Aviapartner are not expected to be affected.
- Brussels Airlines: About 40% of its Friday flights are cancelled, the Brussels Times reports. Passengers are offered rebooking or a refund.
- Charleroi Airport: Unchanged. All flights operate; pickets may slow access.
- Trains: Rail staff are not striking on Friday. SNCB trains run normally.
- De Lijn: About 60% of services run. By province: Antwerp 58% (46% in Antwerp city), Limburg 61%, East Flanders 71%, Flemish Brabant 54%, West Flanders 65%, Coast tram 62%.
- Brussels (STIB/MIVB): Major disruption. The confirmed list of lines is due shortly before 6 am Friday.
- Demonstration: The socialist union’s march gathers at 10 am at Brussels-Central and walks to Brussels-Midi. Stations on the route may close.
Sunday night and Monday, October 11–12
- SNCB rail strike: Sunday 10 pm to the last train on Monday. Only the socialist rail union is striking. The alternative timetable appears in the planner 24 hours ahead.
- Eurostar and TGV: Currently scheduled to run as planned on Monday, the rail site Treinenweb reports. SNCB International’s own page still says the impact is unknown.
- EuroCity trains to the Netherlands: Reduced. Tickets can be used on October 11 or 13 instead.
- De Lijn, STIB and TEC: Disruption expected again. Brussels’ forecast is due Sunday evening.
- Brussels Airport: No flight impact expected Monday, but public transport to the airport will be disrupted.
| Date | Service | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Oct 8 | TEC (Liège, Charleroi, Mons) | Wildcat strike; outcome of talks TBA |
| Fri, Oct 9 | Brussels Airport | About 140 flights cancelled; Brussels Airlines cuts about 40% |
| Fri, Oct 9 | Charleroi Airport | All flights operate |
| Fri, Oct 9 | SNCB/NMBS trains | Normal service |
| Fri, Oct 9 | De Lijn | About 60% of services run |
| Fri, Oct 9 | STIB/MIVB, TEC | Major disruption; line lists on the day |
| Sun, Oct 11, 10 pm – Mon, Oct 12 | SNCB/NMBS trains | Strike; timetable 24 hours ahead |
| Mon, Oct 12 | De Lijn, STIB/MIVB, TEC | Disruption expected or possible |
What it means for airline travelers
- Avoid standby on Brussels Airlines on Friday. With 40% of flights gone, every remaining seat goes to rebooked passengers.
- Take the train to Brussels Airport on Friday. Trains are normal that day. Buses and trams are not.
- Staying in Liège or Charleroi? Plan a taxi for Friday. Check TEC before relying on the airport bus.
- Monday is the reverse. Flights are fine but trains are on strike, so book a taxi or shuttle to the airport ahead of time.
- Eurostar on Monday: It is expected to run, but check your train on Sunday once the SNCB timetable is out.
- Rail tickets: SNCB lets rerouted passengers travel without a new ticket. Normal refund rules apply.
- More to come: The socialist union says a national strike could follow at the end of November. No date is set (TBA).
Sources
- The Brussels Times: Public transport in Belgium disrupted on Friday and Monday due to national strikes
- RTBF: Manifestation et grève les 9 et 12 octobre : quelles perturbations dans les transports et les services publics ?
- RTBF: Les bus et trams LeTec quasiment à l’arrêt à Charleroi ce jeudi matin
- L’Avenir: ‘On se sent trahis’ : les bus et trams de Letec Liège-Verviers en grève à l’initiative de la CGSP
- La Libre: Mobilisation syndicale en ordre dispersé ces vendredi et lundi : à quelles perturbations faut-il s’attendre ?
- VRT NWS: 4 op de 10 bussen en trams van De Lijn rijden vrijdag niet
- Brussels Airport: Passenger information
- STIB/MIVB: National strike
- SNCB/NMBS: Staking: alle info bij zware hinder
- SNCB International: Disruptions
- Treinenweb: Spoorverkeer en gedeeltelijk OV in België verstoord door staking op 12 oktober
- Eurostar: Travel updates
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