All Flights in and out of Belgium are Canceled due to National Strike

Belgium aviation sector has come to a complete standstill as a national strike, involving multiple sectors, took effect on February 13, 2025. The industrial action, led by three of Belgium’s largest unions, has caused severe disruptions, with air traffic controllers walking out early this morning in protest against the new federal government’s proposed pension reforms and policy changes.

At 06:45 (local time), air traffic controllers joined thousands of other striking workers, forcing the closure of Belgian airspace up to 7,500 meters above sea level. This move resulted in the cancellation of all inbound and outbound flights in the country. The ACV Transcom union confirmed that the strike would continue until 22:15, leaving Belgium’s skies effectively closed for most of the day, according to RTBF.

The situation escalated further after Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) had already announced flight cancellations on February 10 due to staff shortages in baggage handling and security. Hopes of mitigating these issues were dashed when air traffic controllers decided to participate in the nationwide strike, exacerbating disruptions.

Despite the widespread shutdown, flights involving aircraft in distress and emergency missions remain unaffected, as air traffic control services will continue to support such operations.

Brussels Airport addressed the crisis on social media, stating:

“Due to #strike at Air Traffic Controller skeyes on 13/02 and closing of #BE airspace, all flights above Belgium and at Brussels Airport are cancelled from 6.45 AM to 10.15 PM on 13/02. No departing flight from Brussels Airport all day. Impacted passengers will be notified by their airline.”

With Belgian airspace closed, some airlines have opted to reroute flights to the Netherlands, while others have begun rescheduling affected flights for February 14, 2025. The disruptions have forced thousands of travelers to change their plans, leading to widespread inconvenience.

According to The Brussels Times, a spokesperson at Brussels Airport confirmed that the airport had canceled approximately 430 flights in response to the strike.

The strike extends beyond the aviation industry, affecting postal services, public transport, and waste collection across Belgium. The CSC union emphasized the importance of public service workers, stating:

“We may not always realize it, but public service workers and their work are essential to ensuring the smooth running of society. That is why we must invest in these services instead of making savings, as the Arizona coalition is proposing. The national demonstration will be an opportunity to demand better wages but also improved working conditions and dignified endings to workers’ careers.”

• Featured image by DS28

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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