Airports in Brussels have cancelled flights as a national strike is set to take place next week in Belgium
British holidaymakers travelling to Belgium on Monday, March 31, have been warned of ‘severe disruption’ due to national strike action. Both Brussels Airport and Brussels Charleroi Airport have cancelled flights as staff walkout.
The national strike is expected to impact transport and public services across the country. It’s part of wider industrial action which has opposed new government proposals on reforming pension rules and employment regulations.
Brussels Airport announced that it is cancelling all departing passengers flights on March 31 and warns of possible cancellations to arriving flights. In a statement on its website it said: ”Due to a national strike on Monday 31 March and the announced strike of a large number of the security staff and the personnel of the handlers, we expect major disruptions to airport operations on that day.
“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing passenger flight on 31 March.
“The airlines will contact passengers whose flight has been impacted. We ask not to come to the airport on that day.
“As departing passenger flights are cancelled, cancellations are also possible on arriving flights.
“We advise all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline or on our website or the app.” It added: “We regret any inconvenience caused by this union action. ”
Brussels Charleroi Airport has made the decision to cancel all flights that day. In a statement it said: ”Due to the national strike planned for Monday 31 March as a joint trade union front, and the lack of staff present to ensure safe operations, all flights scheduled to and from Charleroi airport on that day will be cancelled.
“Passengers scheduled to fly to and from Charleroi next Monday will be contacted by their airline for a rebooking or refund. We regret the impact of this national strike on our passengers’ travel plans and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The UK Foreign Office has also issued a warning to British travellers. In an update on its travel guidance page for Belgium, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “Unions plan to hold nationwide strikes on the 13th of every month until further notice.
“ A general strike is planned for 31 March and may cause severe travel disruption across the entire country. Monitor local news and check with your travel provider regarding potential delays.”
Regarding strike action in Belgium in general, the Foreign Office warns that although most demonstrations are peaceful, there “is a risk of unrest or violence.”
It added that it can cause “severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel”. UK holidaymakers are urged to check local news for updates and follow advice from their travel provider.
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