If you were planning to jet off from Belgium on March 31, 2025, chances are your suitcase remained firmly unpacked. Two of the country’s busiest airports—Brussels and Charleroi shut down for the day due to a strike, leaving thousands of travellers stranded. From holidaymakers to business flyers, chaos unfolded as airlines scrambled to handle last-minute cancellations and reroute passengers.
Brussels & Charleroi Airport Strikes Cause Flight Cancellations Across Europe
⚠ National #strike on 31 March by handlers & security staff. Airport operations will be disrupted, all departing flights will be cancelled & impact expected on arrivals. Impacted passengers will be notified by their airline. Public transport could also be impacted.
More info:… pic.twitter.com/xTIOQ0Qb1f
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 24, 2025
Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport both pulled the plug on all flights for the day. Outbound flights? Cancelled. Inbound flights? Also mostly grounded. For travellers, this meant a flurry of delayed itineraries, rebookings, and unexpected travel headaches.
Airport officials urged passengers to check with airlines for updates, but with both major hubs shut, options remained limited. The impact wasn’t just local—flights across Europe and beyond felt the ripple effects, with delays and cancellations extending to major hubs like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt.
Emirates, Qatar Airways & Airlines Took A Hit Due To These Airport Closures
On 31/3 there will be a #generalstrike in BE against the plans of the new federal government. We do not have the necessary information from our partners yet to know what the impact will be on the airport activities. We will keep you informed via our socials & website:… pic.twitter.com/QlyKTJt2JS
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 17, 2025
With these airports being key gateways for Europe, a long list of airlines was affected. Among them were Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, and Qatar Airways. Whether flying budget with easyJet or premium with Etihad, passengers faced the same dilemma, scrambling for new flights as seats filled up fast.
Low-cost carriers struggled to reroute passengers due to limited flight options, while larger airlines battled the logistical nightmare of rescheduling thousands of travellers. And let’s not forget the added pressure on airline staff, who suddenly found themselves dealing with an influx of frustrated customers.
The Global Impact Beyond Belgium Airport
This wasn’t just Belgium’s problem. Many international routes pass through Brussels and Charleroi, making the closures a global issue. Travellers from the UK, US, Canada, and the Middle East found their flights rerouted, delayed, or outright cancelled.
Those trying to reach European hotspots like Barcelona, Vienna, and Lisbon via Brussels had to find alternative connections, often through already-busy airports. Overbooked flights, long queues, and rising ticket prices became the new reality for affected passengers.
What’s Next For Travellers?
Although the strike lasted just a day, its effects will linger. Airlines now face the challenge of clearing the backlog of passengers needing rebooked flights. Some may struggle to find new seats, especially as summer travel demand picks up.
If you’re planning to fly in the coming days, brace yourself for potential delays. Keep a close eye on airline updates, and if you haven’t already, consider flexible booking options for future trips. In the unpredictable world of air travel, a backup plan is always a good idea!
Cover Image Courtesy: Brussels Airport, Brussels Charleroi Airport/Website
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