Brussels Airport. Photo: Shutterstock According to a statement from Brussels International Airport, on Monday, March 31, operations at the airport will effectively be suspended.
The airport management announces: "Due to a nationwide strike on Monday, March 31, and the declared strike by a large portion of the security and ground staff at the airport, we expect significant disruptions to airport operations on that day."
The airport management adds: "To ensure the safety of passengers and crew, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any outgoing passenger flights on March 31. The airlines will contact passengers whose flights are affected. We ask that you do not come to the airport on that day."
Regarding the incoming flights expected to arrive at the airport today, according to the management's statement: "Since outgoing passenger flights are canceled, there may also be cancellations for arriving flights. We recommend all passengers check their flight status with their airline or our website or app. Flight status on our site will only show cancellations after an official announcement from the airline," and of course, the airport expressed regret "for any inconvenience caused due to this action by the labor union."
As part of the strike, as mentioned, Brussels Airport has announced that all outgoing flights are canceled, and passengers are asked not to come to the airport. The reason: a large-scale absence of security staff, ground crews, and services, who joined the protest organized by trade unions.
Besides airport operations, trains, buses, and trams in Belgium are only operating partially, if at all.
Passengers who planned to arrive in Belgium or depart from it today are required to check their flight status with the airline and stay updated on any changes.
The strike is part of a widespread wave of protests over working conditions and economic reforms being promoted in the country, and estimates indicate that similar disruptions may occur in the coming months.
It should be added that the disruptions are also affecting public institutions, schools, and government offices, with a noticeable impact on urban services throughout the country.