A nationwide strike by ground-handling staff employed by Alyzia at Brussels Airport on October 9, 2026, has resulted in approximately 140 flight cancellations. The industrial action has disrupted key ground services including baggage handling, ramp operations, and aircraft cleaning at the Belgian hub.
Ground Handling Disruptions Affect Brussels Airlines and UK Routes
Alyzia’s employees are participating in the strike, causing operational staff shortages. Brussels Airlines, which is not involved in the strike itself, expects about 40% of its flights to be affected given its reliance on Alyzia ground services. Meanwhile, flights managed by Aviapartner at Brussels Airport are not forecasted to experience disruption from this action. Passengers on routes
to the UK, including London, as well as on international routes to destinations like New York and Istanbul, face cancellations and delays.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
Flights departing Brussels Airport are governed by European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 concerning passenger rights for cancellations, delays, and denied boarding. This regulation entitles affected passengers to reimbursement, rerouting, meals, accommodations, and communication assistance during disruptions. Airlines using Alyzia’s services retain responsibility for informing passengers and managing compensation rights regardless of the strike being external to the airline itself.
Cause of Strike: Nationwide Industrial Action in Belgium
The strike is part of a broader national industrial action linked to trade union protests against Belgian federal
government policies. Alyzia, as a ground handling provider at Brussels Airport, will operate at reduced capacity on October 9, limiting ground handling operations essential for flight turnarounds. This action follows recent European Court of Justice decisions clarifying legal responsibilities during industrial disputes involving airlines and third-party providers.
Impact on Passengers and Official Responses
Passengers with flights on October 9 departing Brussels Airport have been warned about cancellations, delays, and rerouting options. Airlines contracting Alyzia are charged with notifying affected passengers. Brussels Airport indicated that around half of Alyzia-handled flights should continue without disruption, while Brussels Airlines confirmed it expects around 40% of its flights to be
cancelled or delayed but is not party to the strike. Aviapartner flights are expected to operate normally. Flight cancellations are reflected in Brussels Airport’s flight information system as airlines update their status.
Legal Context on Strike and Liability
Recent rulings by the European Court of Justice establish that strikes by external ground-handling providers might qualify as extraordinary circumstances exempting airlines from fixed financial compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Nevertheless, airlines remain obligated to provide care and assistance to affected passengers, and must demonstrate they took all reasonable measures to mitigate the disruption. New amendments to EU passenger rights legislation in 2026 explicitly address strikes of essential
airport service providers, providing clearer guidelines for liability and passenger entitlement during such ground handling strikes.
