Nationwide protests and strikes over Belgium’s reform plans have brought widespread disruption to air travel and public transportation, forcing airlines to cancel flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
Protests Sweep Across Belgium
Mass demonstrations erupted across Brussels and other parts of Belgium on Tuesday, as tens of thousands of people took to the streets to oppose government reforms and cuts to social welfare programs.
According to The Associated Press, police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds after minor clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement. Some demonstrators banged drums, blew horns, and set off flares and smoke bombs, while chanting slogans against austerity measures.
Traffic across central Brussels came to a standstill, with major roads blocked by protestors. Organizers said more than 150,000 people joined the demonstrations, though police estimated the number closer to 80,000.
Police Respond to Unrest
Reports described chaotic scenes across Brussels’ downtown area, particularly between the Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi train stations.
Police vehicles were seen chasing protesters through the city. Officers — identifiable by red armbands despite being out of uniform — detained several people, binding their hands with plastic restraints.
At one point, officers on bicycles reportedly sought refuge inside a hotel after being surrounded by demonstrators.
According to Reuters, roughly 25 people were detained for setting fires along busy boulevards in the Belgian capital.
Airports Hit by Cancellations and Staff Shortages
The protests and strikes have severely impacted air travel, forcing Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport — the country’s two largest airports — to cancel or delay flights due to staffing shortages.
Brussels Airport Issues Warning
Brussels Airport warned passengers to expect “major disruptions” on Tuesday, October 14, as security staff joined the national industrial action.
“Due to the national industrial action on Tuesday 14 October in which the staff of the security service provider is participating, we unfortunately expect major disruptions to our airport operations on that day,” the airport said in a statement.
The airport also noted that cancellations of departing flights would likely lead to additional cancellations of arriving flights.
Charleroi Airport Also Impacted
Charleroi Airport, Belgium’s second-largest, also canceled numerous flights because of insufficient staff.
According to Reuters, Brussels Airport officials were in talks with airlines to discourage them from operating departing flights on Tuesday.
Airlines Cancel Flights
Brussels Airlines, the country’s flagship carrier, confirmed that it had canceled all departing flights and a “significant number” of arriving flights on Tuesday.
“We are forced to cancel all departing flights and a significant number of arriving flights that day,” the airline said.
The airport added that it expects a busy day on Wednesday as operations resume and stranded passengers attempt to rebook.
Air Traffic Impact
In 2024, 23.6 million passengers traveled through Brussels Airport, making it one of Europe’s busiest mid-size hubs.
The mass cancellations are likely to ripple across Europe’s flight network, impacting connecting flights and cargo operations as well.
Travel Advisory
Authorities have advised travelers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, consider rescheduling nonessential trips, and allow extra travel time due to potential public transportation delays.
The situation remains fluid as Belgium’s three major trade unions continue negotiations with the government over reform plans and worker protections.
