October 9, 2026 — Update: about 140 flights were cancelled at Brussels Airport on Friday as ground handler Alyzia’s staff joined Belgium’s national strike. Brussels Airlines lost close to 40% of its schedule, as it had warned.
What happened
What changed since our October 7 story: the strike day went ahead as forecast, and a second national strike is set for Monday, October 12. Brussels Airport says Monday’s action is not expected to affect flights.
About half of the flights handled by Alyzia were grounded on Friday, Travel Extra reports. Alyzia works for 21 airlines at Brussels, including Brussels Airlines, Emirates and United. Flights handled by the airport’s other main handler, Aviapartner, operated normally.
Brussels Airlines is not a party to the dispute. It said this was “the third time this year” outside strikes had badly disrupted its schedule, and it expects a significant financial hit.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Friday, October 9 | About 140 arrivals and departures cancelled at Brussels Airport |
| Brussels Airlines | Nearly 40% of flights cancelled |
| Alyzia-handled flights | About half grounded |
| Monday, October 12 | Public-sector strike; flights expected to operate, local public transport disrupted |
| Further airport strike dates | None announced: TBA |
What it means for non-revs
- Saturday and Sunday will be tight out of Brussels. Friday’s cancelled passengers are being rebooked onto weekend flights. Give Brussels Airlines until Monday before trying standby.
- Monday’s strike is a ground-transport problem, not a flight problem. Trains, trams and buses to the airport may not run. Leave extra time or arrange a lift.
- Know who handles your airline. Alyzia customers were hit; Aviapartner customers were not. That matters if another strike is called.
- Lufthansa Group ZED travellers can route via another Lufthansa Group hub if Brussels flights stay full.
Sources
- Travel Extra, Brussels airport sees 140 flights grounded due to national strike
- Travel Tomorrow, Brussels Airport to cancel 140 flights this Friday due to ground handler strike
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