Brussels Airport is likely to be closed to departing flights on Thursday, 12 March 2026, as Belgium’s major trade unions have called a nationwide general strike and demonstration spanning all sectors, including transport and airport operations. A formal 24-hour strike notice has been issued for that date, enabling widespread participation by workers across the country.
What Is Expected
The industrial action aligns with a large national protest planned in Brussels and is part of escalating union mobilisations against federal government reforms.
Unions including FGTB/ABVV, CSC/ACV and CGSLB/ACLVB are coordinating the event, which is anticipated to significantly disrupt public services, transport networks and airport staffing.
In previous general strikes, Brussels Airport has suspended all departing flights, primarily due to security and ground handling staff joining the walkout, though arrival operations have sometimes continued to a reduced extent.
Airline Responses and Passenger Options
Several airlines have already adjusted policies in anticipation of disruptions. For example, Air Canada has activated a flexible rebooking policy for travel from Brussels on 12 March, allowing passengers to change flights at no additional cost within a range of dates around the strike. Cancelled bookings may also be converted into credits or future travel funds.
Under European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, passengers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays are entitled to refunds or re-routing at the earliest opportunity, as well as duty-of-care provisions including meals and accommodation where applicable.
Context: Repeated Disruption
Belgium has experienced multiple general strikes in recent years over government labour, pension and budget reforms. Similar walkouts in 2025 led to wide transport disruptions and flight cancellations at both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
What Travellers Should Do
Passengers with flights departing Brussels on 12 March 2026 are advised to:
Check flight status closely with their airline.
Consider rebooking early under flexible policies now being offered.
Avoid travelling to the airport if their flight is scheduled on the strike date, as departing operations may not run.
This early advance notice gives travellers an opportunity to adjust plans and mitigate disruption ahead of what could be a major strike-induced travel impact at Belgium’s busiest airport.