Belgian aviation sector urges unions to avoid further disruption from national strikes

Brussels Airport, Brussels Airlines, and TUI fly Belgium are calling on unions to stop targeting air traffic during monthly national strikes, which have already disrupted travel for 180,000 passengers and caused an estimated €100 million loss to the Belgian economy in 2024.

The strikes, aimed at federal government policies, have severely affected air operations despite airline staff not participating. The airport and airlines stress the disproportionate impact on travellers, who face cancelled flights, lost vacations, financial burdens, and logistical chaos, while the industry suffers reputational and financial damage.

With another national action planned for June 25, just before the start of Flanders’ summer holidays and with 75,000 travellers expected, the aviation sector urges unions to choose alternative forms of protest that don’t ground air traffic. They warn that continued disruption through the summer could further undermine a sector that supports 64,000 jobs and is vital to the national economy.