On Friday, October 9, 2026, Brussels Airport experienced significant operational disruptions and widespread flight cancellations due to a strike by employees of Alyzia, one of the airport's primary ground-handling companies. The industrial action was organized as part of a national manifestation and nationwide demonstration led by the FGTB (ABVV) trade union protesting Belgian federal government policies.
Because Alyzia provides critical behind-the-scenes services—including baggage handling, passenger check-in, aircraft refueling, catering, and push-back operations—for approximately 20 airlines at the airport, the walkout severely restricted the hub's capacity. Initial industry forecasts and airport statements indicated that approximately 140 flights, representing both departures and arrivals, would be cancelled. This volume represents roughly 20% to 40% of the airport's typical Friday schedule of 700 flight movements.
While Brussels Airport continued to operate around 400 flights, Alyzia was only able to service about half of its scheduled flights. The airport's other major ground-handling provider, Aviapartner, was unaffected by the strike, allowing airlines utilizing its services, such as All Nippon Airways, to maintain normal operations.
The cancellations heavily impacted Brussels Airlines, the airport's home carrier and primary operator, which had to proactively alter its flight network and cut a substantial portion of its schedule. Other carriers under the Lufthansa Group—including Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Swiss, and Lufthansa—also proactively cancelled flights and offered passengers free rebookings or refunds. The disruption significantly affected routes between Belgium and the United Kingdom, including flights to and from London Heathrow and Manchester Airport, as well as other major European destinations like Paris, Madrid, and Budapest.
What was reported
- Expected Flight Cancellations: 140 (Anadolu Agency)
- Typical Friday Flight Movements: 700 (Travel Weekly)
Sources
What passengers can expect
This is a summary of public reports, not a decision on an individual booking.
- The airline should offer a reroute or a refund when it cancels the flight or the disruption makes the journey unusable.
- Care still applies while you are waiting: meals, refreshments, a means to communicate, and a hotel plus transfers if you need to stay overnight.
- Fixed compensation under EC 261/2004 or UK261 depends on the cause. Extraordinary circumstances, such as air traffic control restrictions or severe weather, usually mean the airline does not owe that fixed compensation. A strike by the airline's own staff is treated differently from an outside restriction.
- Check the latest status with the airline before you travel.
