National strike in Belgium: Brussels Airlines cancels about 40% of flights on Friday

Brussels Airlines is among companies cancelling flights to and from Brussels Airport on Friday as staff at ground handling company Alyzia participate in Belgium’s nationwide strike.

Around half of the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to operate as planned on 9 October, according to Brussels Airport. Flights handled by its other passenger ground handler, Aviapartner, are currently not expected to be affected.

The Zaventem airport said cancellations affected around 140 flights operated by airlines working with Alyzia.

They include Brussels Airlines, which expects to carry around 30,000 passengers on Friday. It said it would be contacting passengers whose flights are cancelled and offer alternative travel options as well as the possibility of a refund.

“We regret that this is the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by union action involving external parties,” said Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone.

Brussels Airlines passengers can check their flight status can be checked through the airline’s website under “My Booking”.

The trade union action across Belgium in protest to federal government measures includes a demonstration in Brussels. Major disruption is expected on the capital’s public transport network, Stib, affecting bus, tram and metro services.

Photo: ©Brussels Airlines