Flights through Belgium have been suspended as air traffic controllers launched an unexpected strike.
Following the strike, hundreds of flights have been canceled at five major airports across the country.
The strike started at 12.00 (local time) and is expected to last until 19:00 (local time), stranding thousands of passengers. The affected airports include Brussels Airport (Zaventem), Brussels South Charleroi Airport, Antwerp Airport, Liege Airport and Ostend-Bruges Airport.
Airport officials have requested travelers not to come to the terminal. According to the official statement: “Unfortunately, all flights between 14:00 and 21:00 will have to be canceled by the airlines. Please do not come to the airport if you are flying between 14:00 and 19:00.”
At Charleroi Airport, operations are suspended from 14.15 onwards, with all departing and arriving flights cancelled. Those who have scheduled flights after 21.00, are advised to check their flight status on their respective airline’s website.
Ryanair, which is the main operator from Charleroi Airport, described the “illegal wildcat strike” which resulted in Ryanair canceling more than 100 flights, affecting around 20,000 passengers. Flights between London Heathrow and Brussels with British Airways, as well as Brussels Airlines and Wizz Air, have also been disrupted.
The strike was sparked by a conflict between management and unions over the installation of a digital control tower in Namur. The controllers are concerned about the security of the new system and its impact on society.
Airlines are offering refunds or rebooking options for affected passengers. For real-time updates, passengers are advised to contact the airline directly and view updated flight operation details.
