Approximately 140 flights at Brussels Airport are cancelled on Friday, October 7, 2026, as staff for the ground handling company Alyzia participate in a national strike action. The industrial action is disrupting flight operations landing and departing from the Belgian hub.
Affected Flights and Key Routes
Brussels Airlines faces significant cancellations on UK routes, including flights to London Heathrow at 4:55pm, to Manchester at 10am and 9:30pm, and return flights from Manchester at 8:30am and 1:30pm, plus a flight from Heathrow at 8pm. Additional affected routes extend to and from Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago.
Airlines Unaffected Due to Different Handling
British Airways flights, including those to and from Edinburgh, continue
without disruption, as the airline employs separate ground handling services. Low-cost carriers Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air also remain unaffected because they outsource ground operations to other providers at Brussels Airport. Airlines impacted include Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia, and United Airlines.
Strike Impact on Ground Handling Services and Background
Alyzia ground staff provide essential services such as baggage processing, ramp operations, de-icing, aircraft cleaning, and cargo transport for roughly 20 airlines at Brussels Airport. This strike marks the third major disruption this year at the airport caused by industrial action from external parties affecting ground handling operations.
Passenger Rights and Operational Responses
Flight cancellations are classified as extraordinary circumstances, excluding passenger
entitlement to compensation. Affected airlines are obligated to rebook or refund tickets at no charge and to supply meals, refreshments, and accommodation when necessary. Customers on impacted flights receive direct communication regarding changes.
Official Statements on Disruption
Brussels Airport expressed regret over cancellations linked to the strike, stating about half of the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to operate. Brussels Airlines noted this is the third time this year its schedule is seriously affected by industrial action from external parties, highlighting the financial and operational toll. The airline stated, “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.”
