About 140 flights were cancelled at Brussels Airport on October 9, 2026, following strike action by some ground handling staff of Alyzia, a company servicing nearly 20 airlines at the airport. The protest is part of a national demonstration by Alyzia employees.
Airlines and Routes Impacted by Alyzia Strike
The industrial action affected flights operated by Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia, and United Airlines. Brussels Airlines experienced cancellations on flights to London Heathrow scheduled at 4:55 pm, to Manchester at 10:00 am and 9:30 pm, and from Manchester at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm, along with a Heathrow flight departing at 8:00 pm. Routes to and
from Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago also saw disruption. British Airways flights and those by Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air continued as normal because these airlines use other ground handling providers at Brussels Airport.
Passenger Impact and Airline Response
Thousands of passengers faced cancellations and delays, primarily on flights to and from the United Kingdom. Airlines serving Brussels Airport had informed affected passengers directly about flight changes and their options. Those with cancelled flights were entitled to rebooking or refunds without charge. Provisions for food, drink, and accommodation were mandatory where applicable. Brussels Airlines stated their workforce was not involved in the strike and noted
this was the third major disruption to their schedule caused by external industrial actions in 2026. The airline also cited significant financial consequences due to these repeated disruptions.
Official Statements and Industry Context
Brussels Airport acknowledged the strike in a statement warning of substantial disruption on October 9, 2026, explaining that approximately half of the flights handled by Alyzia would operate normally, but many would be cancelled. They expressed regret over the inconvenience caused. Brussels Airlines highlighted that flight cancellations due to strikes are classified as ‘extraordinary circumstances,’ placing responsibility outside the airline’s control and precluding compensation requirements. However, airlines remain obligated to offer rebooking,
refunds, and necessary assistance. Separately, a Belgian public services strike scheduled for October 11, 2026, is not expected to disturb air traffic but may affect public transport connections to Brussels Airport.
