On Friday, October 9, 2026, approximately 140 flights landing and departing from Brussels Airport are cancelled due to a strike by ground handling staff employed by Alyzia. The strike affects multiple airlines and key routes, causing widespread disruption at one of Europe’s major aviation hubs.
Affected Flights and Airlines
Brussels Airlines flights are significantly impacted on UK routes. Flights to London Heathrow at 4:55pm and 8:00pm, plus Manchester departures at 10:00am and 9:30pm and arrivals at 8:30am and 1:30pm, have been cancelled. Other affected routes include flights to and from Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago. British Airways flights to and from Brussels Airport, including
those serving Edinburgh, are operating normally as they are handled by different ground service providers. Low-cost carriers Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air are unaffected due to their use of alternative ground handling operators.
Cause of Disruption and Role of Alyzia
The disruption stems from a national protest involving Alyzia’s ground handling staff at Brussels Airport. Alyzia is responsible for baggage handling, ramp services, de-icing, aircraft cleaning, and cargo transport for about 20 airlines at the airport. This strike marks the third significant industrial action this year to disrupt Brussels Airlines flight schedules, despite the carrier’s own staff not participating in the demonstrations.
Passenger Impact and Airline Obligations
Passengers on cancelled flights are
eligible for rebooking or refunds without charge but are not entitled to further compensation, as strike-related cancellations are legally classified as extraordinary circumstances. Airlines affected by Alyzia’s strike have committed to providing food, drink, and accommodation if necessary. These carriers will contact customers directly with updates on flight status and alternative arrangements.
Brussels Airlines expressed regret over the repeated impact of external industrial actions on its operations, stating: “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.” The airline also noted the substantial
financial consequences caused by these cancellations, which are beyond its control.
Additional Context on Public Service Strikes
Belgium faces another wave of strike action on Monday targeting public services nationwide. However, this upcoming strike is not expected to affect air traffic at Brussels Airport. Passengers should be aware that public transport disruptions on October 11 could delay access to and from the airport.
