Approximately 140 flights at Brussels Airport are cancelled on Friday, October 9, 2026, due to a national strike involving staff from ground handler Alyzia, according to AOL.com. The labour protest disrupts flights landing and departing from the Belgian hub.
UK and Other Routes Hit by Flight Cancellations
The strike significantly affects Brussels Airlines operations, including cancellations of four flights to and from UK airports: the 4:55 pm departure to London Heathrow, the 8:00 pm arrival from Heathrow, the 10:00 am and 9:30 pm departures to Manchester, and the 8:30 am and 1:30 pm arrivals from Manchester. Flights connecting Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago are also impacted by cancellations.
British Airways flights on Friday to and from Brussels Airport, including flights to and from Edinburgh, continue to operate normally, as do Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air services, whose ground handling at Brussels Airport is managed by different providers.
Alyzia’s Role at Brussels Airport
Alyzia is responsible for critical ground handling services at Brussels Airport, including baggage handling, ramp operations, aircraft de-icing, cleaning, and cargo transport. The company supports roughly 20 airlines at the airport, processing baggage and providing aircraft ground support. The strike by Alyzia staff affects about half of the flights they handle on the strike day.
Compensation, Rebooking, and Transport Disruptions
Flight cancellations caused by this strike
are classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning passengers are not entitled to compensation under applicable regulations. However, airlines using Alyzia’s services will provide passengers with free rebooking or refunds and offer food, drink, and accommodation where necessary. Affected passengers will be contacted directly with updated flight information and options. Meanwhile, public transport disruption across Belgium is expected on Monday, October 12, 2026, potentially delaying journeys to and from Brussels Airport, although air traffic itself will not be affected.
Official Responses
Brussels Airport stated that approximately half of the flights operated by Alyzia will proceed on October 9, while others are cancelled due to
union action, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. Brussels Airlines noted this is the third major disruption in 2026 caused by strikes from external parties, emphasizing its own staff are not involved. The airline said, “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.” Brussels Airlines acknowledged the strike is disrupting thousands of travel plans and generating significant financial impact.
