Brussels Airport expects major disruption as unions plan 12 May protest

Brussels Airport has asked airlines to significantly reduce departing passenger flights on 12 May, warning that approximately half of scheduled departures may operate due to a new national union protest. Belgium’s main unions — ABVV/FGTB, ACV/CSC and ACLVB/CGLSB — have announced a nationwide demonstration against federal government policies, continuing a wave of industrial action seen throughout 2025.

Brussels Airport said it “deeply regrets” the impact but is working with partners to maintain as many flights as possible while ensuring safety and avoiding excessive waiting times. Airlines are expected to adjust schedules in the coming days and inform passengers directly.

While previous national strike days earlier this year often led to a near-total shutdown of departures, the airport now anticipates a slightly less severe scenario, with “just under half” of outbound flights likely to operate. Arrivals are expected to face only limited disruption.

The 12 May protest would mark the ninth instance since the start of 2025 in which nationwide union action — not directly targeting the aviation sector — has nonetheless disrupted operations at Brussels Airport. Earlier strikes repeatedly led to the cancellation of all departing passenger flights, as security staff and ground handlers joined the actions.

As reported on Aviation24.be in recent months, recurring social unrest has created ongoing operational uncertainty for airlines serving Brussels, forcing carriers to repeatedly revise schedules and contingency plans during peak travel periods.