Brussels Airport is bracing for significant disruption on Friday, 9 October, as a nationwide strike and large-scale demonstration in Belgium force the cancellation of roughly 140 flights. The industrial action, which involves ground-handling staff at Alyzia, will hit operations for several carriers, with Brussels Airlines bearing the brunt.
According to Belgian media reports, Alyzia employees are joining the strike, prompting the airport to warn passengers that a number of flights will be cancelled. Alyzia, which provides baggage handling, ramp operations, de-icing, aircraft cleaning, and cargo transport, serves multiple airlines at Brussels, including Brussels Airlines. The airport has confirmed that approximately half of the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to operate as planned, but the rest will be grounded.
Brussels Airlines most affected
Brussels Airlines, the flag carrier and a key customer of Alyzia, is expected to see around 40% of its scheduled flights cancelled on Friday. The airline anticipates carrying roughly 30,000 passengers that day and has stated that affected travellers will be contacted directly with alternative travel options or refunds. Passengers can also check their flight status through the airline's My Booking service.
Brussels Airport has advised travellers to verify whether their flight is handled by Alyzia. Flights operated by rival ground handler Aviapartner are currently not expected to be affected, offering some relief for passengers on other airlines.
The disruption extends beyond the airport. A large-scale demonstration is planned in central Brussels on Friday, and public transport and other public services are expected to face delays and cancellations. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice for Belgium on 7 October, warning of the planned demonstration and strike action. It confirms that flights have been cancelled at Brussels Airport and advises travellers to monitor local news and check with their travel operators for the latest information.
The UK advice also notes that a further strike is planned for Monday, 12 October. Brussels Airport currently says that action is not expected to affect air traffic, although public transport disruption is anticipated, and passengers are advised to plan their journeys to and from the airport accordingly.
For travellers flying on Friday, Brussels Airport recommends checking flight status before heading to the airport. Cancellations will appear on its flight overview once registered by the airline.
This latest disruption follows several instances of industrial action affecting aviation in Belgium this year, underscoring how ground-handling strikes can disrupt flights even when airlines themselves are not participating. The situation highlights the vulnerability of hub airports to labour actions in ancillary services, a concern for airlines and passengers alike.
Travel professionals should note that such disruptions can have ripple effects on connecting itineraries, particularly for business travellers and MICE groups. As the industry continues to navigate operational resilience, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of contingency planning.
For more on how airports are adapting to operational challenges, see our coverage of Asia-Pacific airport expansion and Bristol Airport's carbon accreditation.
