October 6, 2026 — Update to our earlier coverage. About 140 flights will be cancelled at Brussels Airport on Friday, October 9, because ground-handling staff are joining the national union demonstration. A 24-hour rail strike still follows on October 11–12.
What changed
- Brussels Airport, October 9: Staff of ground handler Alyzia are joining the action, so only about half of the flights Alyzia handles can operate. About 140 flights are cancelled across roughly 20 airlines.
- Brussels Airlines is cancelling about 40% of its departures and arrivals that day.
- Not affected: flights handled by Aviapartner, which Bruzz says include TUI fly and Ryanair. The airport website shows which handler serves each flight.
- Charleroi: The airport warned on October 6 that Friday’s action may affect operations. No cancellations are announced yet (TBA).
- De Lijn (Flanders buses and trams) now expects seriously disrupted service on both October 9 and October 12.
The dates
| Date | Service | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 9 | Brussels Airport | About 140 flights cancelled |
| Fri, Oct 9 | Charleroi Airport | Possible disruption, scale TBA |
| Fri, Oct 9 | STIB/MIVB (Brussels metro, tram, bus) | Network probably disrupted; partial service intended |
| Fri, Oct 9 | De Lijn | Seriously disrupted; adapted timetable online Wednesday evening |
| Sun, Oct 11, 10 pm – Mon, Oct 12, 10 pm | SNCB/NMBS national rail | Strike; alternative timetable published 24 hours ahead |
| Mon, Oct 12 | De Lijn, STIB/MIVB | Disruption expected or possible |
Who is acting
The socialist union FGTB/ABVV is running Friday’s national demonstration in Brussels. The Christian union CSC/ACV is holding its own action at the headquarters of the federal coalition parties.
What it means for airline travelers
- Avoid standby through Brussels on Friday. With about 140 flights gone, displaced revenue passengers will fill the seats that remain.
- Check your handler. Look up your flight on the Brussels Airport website to see whether Alyzia or Aviapartner handles it.
- If your flight is cancelled, the airline will contact you with alternatives. Brussels Airlines offers a status check under “My Booking” or a refund.
- Getting to the airport: Trains should run on Friday, but city transit will be thin. On the rail strike day, use the SNCB journey planner the day before. The Sunday-night start affects late arrivals on October 11 and all of Monday.
- Rail tickets stay valid on alternative routings. Normal refund and exchange rules apply, and a strike certificate can be downloaded within seven days.
Sources
- Bruzz: Nationale staking vrijdag: zeker 140 vluchten geschrapt op Brussels Airport
- La DH / Belga: Manifestation nationale du 9 octobre: environ 140 vols annulés vendredi à Brussels Airport
- Zakenreisnieuws: Mogelijk opnieuw hinder 9 oktober voor reizigers op Charleroi Airport
- Goeiedag: De Lijn verwacht ernstig verstoorde dienstverlening op vrijdag 9 en maandag 12 oktober door stakingsactie
- SNCB/NMBS: Staking: alle info bij zware hinder
- STIB/MIVB: National strike
- La DH / Belga: Grève confirmée sur le rail le 12 octobre 2026
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