Approximately 140 flights scheduled to land and depart from Brussels Airport were cancelled on Friday, October 9, 2026, due to a national strike by part of the ground handling staff from Alyzia. Airlines affected include Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia, and United Airlines. The strike is linked to national protests affecting ground operations at the airport.
Cancelled Flights and Routes
Brussels Airlines flight cancellations notably impacted UK routes, including the 16:55 flight to London Heathrow, two flights to Manchester at 10:00 and 21:30, as well as return flights from Manchester at 08:30 and 13:30, and a Heathrow arrival at 20:00. Other destinations affected
include flights to and from Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago. British Airways flights continued operating as normal, as did Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air services, which use different ground handling providers at Brussels Airport.
Ground Handling Disruption and Airline Impact
Alyzia, the ground handler whose staff are striking, is responsible for baggage handling, ramp operations, aircraft cleaning, de-icing, and cargo transport at Brussels Airport for about 20 airlines. Half of the flights handled by Alyzia were expected to operate normally on October 9, with cancellations affecting the remaining half. Brussels Airlines confirmed its own employees did not participate in the strike but stated the ongoing industrial
action by external parties has caused serious disruptions to its schedule and significant financial losses.
Passenger Rights and Official Statements
Flight cancellations linked to the strike are classified as extraordinary circumstances, removing passenger entitlement to compensation. Airlines are mandated to offer rebooking or refunds without charge, alongside providing food, drink, and accommodation when necessary. Airlines utilizing Alyzia services are contacting affected passengers directly with updated flight information and options. Brussels Airport noted that while flight operations are affected, a public sector strike scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026, will not impact air traffic, though public transport disruptions may delay access to the airport.
Brussels Airlines
remarked, “We regret that this is already the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by industrial action taken by external parties.” Brussels Airport’s statement indicated that about half of Alyzia-handled flights would operate as planned, with cancellations limited to the remainder as a consequence of the strike.
