Brussels Airport Faces Full Departure Halt on 12 March

Brussels Airport is preparing for major disruption on Tuesday 12 March as Belgium’s leading trade unions stage a 24-hour nationwide strike. The industrial action is expected to affect several sectors, including transport and airport operations. Previous walkouts in 2025 led to extensive cancellations at both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, raising concerns about a similar outcome next month.

Security staff, baggage handlers and air traffic controllers are among those likely to join the strike. Airport officials have warned that most, if not all, departing flights could be cancelled on the day. Arnaud Feist, Chief Executive of Brussels Airport, has described a full suspension of outbound services as the most realistic scenario under current conditions.

Brussels Airport typically handles between 165 and 250 departures per day, making it Belgium’s busiest aviation hub. While some inbound flights may still operate, schedules are expected to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check directly with their airline before setting out, as conditions on the ground may shift throughout the day.

The strike could make it harder to reach Brussels and nearby cities. People heading to the centre of Brussels, Bruges or Ghent may experience delays or changes to arrival times. Flights connecting through Brussels to other European destinations could also be disrupted, which may require adjustments to existing travel plans during the spring season.

Anyone scheduled to fly on 12 March should check their booking without delay. Several airlines, including Air Canada, are allowing passengers to change their travel dates free of charge. Flight times may be updated throughout the day, so checking directly with the airline is important. If departures are cancelled, turning up at the airport without checking first could simply result in an unnecessary trip.