Chaos at Charleroi airport as security staff strike blocks access to passenger terminals

The absence of security at Brussels South Charleroi Airport due to a strike by personnel is preventing passengers and vehicles from entering the site, reports RTBF.

Some 500 people are waiting outside the airport's two terminals as the gates remained closed this Monday morning. Flights are being delayed, but at the moment, none have been cancelled. Although it’s dfficult to predict how the situation will evolve, it’s likely to take hours for the situation to return to normal.

On roads leading to the airport, there are tailbacks to the roundabout of the N568. Major traffic jams are reported in both directions on neighbouring roads. Passengers due to fly out of Charleroi are advised to set off earlier for the airport. Other motorists should avoid the area if possible.

Strike by security staff

A filed strike notice by trade unions expired on Sunday, said the airport.

Security workers are apparently not happy with BSCA Security’s decision to award the future public contract for the management of screening inspection posts to two operators instead of one. These are the security checks carried out on passengers before accessing boarding gates.

According to management, there have been recurring problems over the past five years when a single operator has to manage fluctuations in passenger transport. "In order to ensure the continuity of the service, the sharing of this mission between two suppliers is essential," it said in a press release.

"This sharing between two suppliers will have no influence on the guarantee of employment, nor on the level of remuneration. Union representation is also guaranteed," added management.