On Friday, October 9, 2026, Brussels Airport will cancel roughly 140 flights as ground-handling employees from Alyzia join a national industrial strike in Belgium. This disruption affects operations at Brussels Airport and impacts airlines using Alyzia’s services, notably Brussels Airlines, which anticipates about 40% of its flights will face cancellations or delays.
The strike arises from wider trade union demonstrations opposing policies of the Belgian federal government. Alyzia workers involved provide critical ground services including baggage handling, ramp operations, and aircraft cleaning, all essential for flight turnarounds and departures.
Despite the industrial action, Brussels Airport reports that around half of
the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to proceed as scheduled, benefitting from reduced but ongoing staffing. Flights managed by another ground-handling company, Aviapartner, will not be affected by the strike disturbance. The total of 140 cancelled flights includes routes departing Brussels Airport to the United Kingdom and possibly other international destinations.
Passenger Rights and Routes Impacted
Passengers on impacted flights, particularly those traveling on Brussels Airlines to UK destinations, have rights under European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This legislation guarantees options for reimbursement, rerouting, and assistance, including meals and accommodation when necessary. Airlines remain responsible for delivering these compensations even when cancellations originate
from contractors like Alyzia rather than the airline directly.
Under Regulation 261/2004, passengers may claim financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on flight distance, unless airlines notify cancellations at least 14 days in advance or prove that extraordinary circumstances apply. The strike constitutes a complex case regarding such exemptions, especially since it involves an external ground-handling provider rather than the airline’s own workforce.
Legal and Regulatory Context
European Union law defines distinct passenger rights provisions: Article 8 covers reimbursement and rerouting, Article 9 mandates assistance during disruption, and Article 7 specifies fixed compensation rules. The Court of Justice of the European Union
has ruled on various strike-related cases, clarifying that industrial actions by external service providers do not automatically exempt airlines from compensation obligations.
Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, published on October 2, 2026, amended prior legislation to address strikes involving essential airport service providers like ground handlers. It requires airlines to take reasonable measures and consider alternative transport options to reduce the impact of such strikes on passengers.
Official Statements and Airline Responsibilities
Brussels Airport stated that approximately half of Alyzia-handled flights are likely to operate normally despite reduced staffing levels. Brussels Airlines confirmed it is not participating in the strike but expects around 40% of its flights
to be disrupted due to Alyzia’s involvement. The airline pointed out that cancellation responsibilities lie with Alyzia as the external ground handling company.
Aviapartner-managed flights at Brussels Airport are not expected to experience disruption from the strike action. Airlines using Alyzia services must communicate cancellations to passengers and offer rerouting or refunds. Flight cancellations become visible in Brussels Airport’s flight information systems once formally registered by each airline.
Passenger Information and Compensation Procedures
Flight confirmations and cancellations are accessible through airline and airport platforms, allowing passengers to verify the status of their bookings. Under EU law, passengers can demand reimbursement within seven days for canceled
flights. When rerouting requires an overnight stay, airlines must cover accommodation and transport between the hotel and airport.
Financial compensation of €250 applies to flights up to 1,500 kilometers, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 kilometers and certain other medium-distance routes, and €600 for flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers. These amounts may be halved if rerouting results in limited delay compared to the original schedule. Passengers retain the right to select reimbursement over vouchers or other forms of compensation.
