Baggage handlers call sudden strike at Brussels Airport

Baggage handlers working for one of Brussels Airport's contractors called a sudden strike on Thursday evening, delaying departing flights and leaving many passengers at arrivals without their bags.

The strike by Aviapartner was called at 17.30 on Thursday and could cause major problems for the start of the half-term holiday getaway from Zaventem on Friday.

Aviapartner is one of two companies providing baggage handling at Brussels Airport. It works with about 30 airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Easyjet, HOP, Iberia, Ryanair and TUIfly. Check the Brussels Airport website here to see if your airline is one of those affected.

"We do not yet know the full impact of this strike because we do not know how long it will last," said an airport spokeswoman. On Thursday evening, 43 arriving flights and 28 take-offs were affected.

The airport says affected passengers should contact their airline if they find their baggage is missing at their arrival destination.

Photo: Eric Lalmand/Belga