Around 40 flights are being cancelled each day at Brussels South Charleroi Airport as air traffic controllers continue their nightly industrial action, according to initial operational figures.
The action began on 16 September and is scheduled to continue every night between 22:00 and 08:00 until 10 October. During these periods, air traffic control services are unavailable, preventing aircraft from taking off or landing at Charleroi.
The precise number of cancellations varies according to the daily schedule and the measures taken by airlines. Some services can be brought forward, delayed until after 08:00 or transferred to another airport, but many evening arrivals and early-morning departures have to be cancelled.
Approximately 40 flights were reportedly cancelled during one of the first full days of disruption. Skeyes has warned that more than 800 flights could be affected if the industrial action continues for the entire announced period. This corresponds to an average of roughly 30 to 40 flights per day, although the impact is likely to be greater on the airport’s busiest days.
Ryanair, Charleroi’s largest airline, is particularly affected. Evening services from several European destinations have already been cancelled, along with the corresponding return or early-morning flights. Other carriers operating during the closure period may also have to modify their schedules.
The dispute concerns night-work arrangements and allowances for air traffic controllers. Negotiations between management and the unions have so far failed to produce an agreement.
Passengers travelling to or from Charleroi are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline. The cancellation figures may continue to change at short notice as airlines adjust their programmes.
Unlike a conventional strike covering an entire day, the nightly closures leave daytime operations possible. Nevertheless, the disruption can extend well beyond the strike hours because aircraft and crews may no longer be in the correct position for subsequent flights.