A staff strike involving employees of Alyzia, a ground-handling company at Brussels Airport, is set to take place on October 9, 2026. The action is part of nationwide industrial demonstrations in Belgium and is expected to significantly disrupt airport operations.
Flight Cancellations and Operational Impact
Approximately 140 flights are planned to be canceled due to the strike, according to reports from Belgian media and Diplomacy and Law. Brussels Airlines, which does not participate in the strike, anticipates that nearly 40% of its flights will be affected. Despite the labor action, about half of the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to proceed as scheduled. Flights
managed by Aviapartner, another ground handler at Brussels Airport, are not expected to face disruptions.
Cause and Context of the Industrial Action
The strike coincides with broader trade union protests against policies of the Belgian federal government. Alyzia provides critical ground services such as baggage handling, ramp operations, and aircraft cleaning. The reduced staff availability during the strike is causing operational challenges that lead to cancellations on international flights, including routes to the United Kingdom.
Passenger Rights Under EU Law
Passengers on canceled flights have rights to reimbursement, rerouting, and various forms of assistance under European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This includes compensation amounts of €250, €400, or €600 depending on
flight distance and applicable conditions. Airlines must also offer meals, refreshments, communication access, and hotel accommodation if necessary. Brussels Airlines has clarified that passengers affected by cancellations retain the right to refunds and cannot be compelled to accept vouchers without consent.
Impact on UK Routes and Other International Destinations
The strike affects flights departing Brussels Airport to international destinations, including key routes to the United Kingdom such as London. Passengers traveling on connecting flights that include canceled segments are advised that confirmation of disruptions should be sought for the entire itinerary. Airlines collaborating with Alyzia are responsible for notifying affected passengers and managing options through the airport’s flight
information system.
Legal Complexities of Ground-Handling Strikes
Disruptions from strikes involving an external ground-handling provider like Alyzia create challenges regarding airline liability under EU rules. While the industrial action is outside airlines’ direct control, operating carriers remain obligated to provide passenger protections. Recent court rulings distinguish between strikes by airline employees and third-party service providers, requiring evaluation of whether disruptions are extraordinary circumstances exempting compensation.
Updated EU Regulations Clarifying Strike-Related Passenger Rights
New European Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, effective from October 2026, explicitly addresses strikes involving essential airport service providers as extraordinary circumstances under certain conditions. This legislation clarifies airlines’ duty to assess the impacts of external supplier strikes and implement reasonable measures
to mitigate cancellations. It complements existing passenger rights under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and related Court of Justice rulings on strike-related compensation and assistance.
