A staff strike at Brussels Airport on October 9, 2026, involving employees of ground-handling company Alyzia, is expected to lead to the cancellation of approximately 140 flights. Brussels Airlines anticipates about 40% of its flights will be disrupted, in particular routes including key UK destinations such as London. The strike follows ongoing nationwide industrial action linked to trade union demonstrations against Belgian federal government policies.
Passenger Rights and EU Compensation Regulations
Passengers on canceled flights are entitled to reimbursement, rerouting, and assistance under European Union Regulation EC 261/2004, enforced by the European Parliament and Council. Compensation ranges from €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, to
€400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and €600 for longer distances. Airlines must provide reimbursement within seven days and cannot force passengers to accept travel vouchers without consent. Compensation obligations may be waived if cancellations result from extraordinary circumstances that could not be avoided by reasonable measures, although reimbursement and care remain mandatory. Regulation (EU) 2026/2202, adopted on September 16 and published on October 2, 2026, addresses strikes involving essential airport service providers like ground handlers.
Operational Impact on Flights and Ground Handling
Approximately half of Alyzia-handled flights are expected to operate normally despite the strike, while flights
handled by Aviapartner at Brussels Airport are not expected to be affected. Brussels Airlines itself is not participating in the industrial action but suffers operational disruptions due to its use of Alyzia services. The Brussels Airport flight information system will display cancellations once airlines notify it.
Strike Context and Ground Handling Services
The strike involves Alyzia employees providing ground-handling services including baggage handling, ramp operations, and aircraft cleaning. This industrial action at Brussels Airport disrupts a wide range of flights, affecting passenger plans for international routes including flights to New York and Istanbul, in addition to UK routes. The strike is part of broader trade union
protests against Belgian federal government policies, impacting airline operations beyond the immediate workforce involved.
Traveler Impact and Airline Obligations
Passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to meals, refreshments, communication facilities, and hotel accommodations if necessary while awaiting rerouting. Airlines must cover the full itinerary reimbursement for passengers on connecting flights booked under a single reservation. Although Alyzia’s strike causes many cancellations, the operating airlines bear primary responsibility for passenger care and compensation. EU regulation applies to all flights departing from EU airports regardless of airline nationality, ensuring consistent passenger rights.
