Approximately 140 flights arriving and departing from Brussels Airport are cancelled on Friday, October 7, 2026, as ground handling staff from Alyzia participate in a national strike. The strike disrupts airport operations including baggage handling, ramp activities, de-icing, aircraft cleaning, and cargo transport for roughly 20 airlines.
Specific Flight and Airline Disruptions
Among the affected flights, Brussels Airlines has cancelled multiple services to and from UK airports. Cancelled departures include the Heathrow flight at 4:55 pm and 8:00 pm, and Manchester flights at 10:00 am and 9:30 pm. Returning flights from Manchester at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm are also cancelled. Flights to and from
cities like Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago face disruptions as well.
British Airways flights at Brussels Airport, including routes to and from Edinburgh, are not impacted. Similarly, Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air flights continue as scheduled, as these airlines use different ground handling providers. Brussels Airlines employees are not participating in the strike.
Strike Context and Previous Disruptions
The strike forms part of wider national protests on October 7, targeting ground handling operations by Alyzia staff. Brussels Airport estimates that about half of the flights handled by Alyzia will operate normally, but acknowledges that numerous cancellations are unavoidable.
This is the third major disruption to
Brussels Airlines’ schedule in 2026 caused by industrial actions involving external parties. The strike’s impact on operations is considerable given Alyzia’s responsibility for ground support services for around 20 airlines at the airport.
Passenger Rights and Official Responses
Passengers affected by flight cancellations due to the strike are entitled to rebooking or refunds without additional charges. Airlines must also provide food, drink, and accommodation when necessary. Flight cancellations linked to strikes fall under extraordinary circumstances per EU regulations, so compensation claims are not applicable.
Airlines operating with Alyzia will notify affected travellers directly regarding their flight status and travel options. Brussels Airlines expressed regret over
repeated disruptions this year, stating, “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.” The airline noted both the financial impact and the disruption to thousands of passengers.
Additional Airport and Public Transport Impact
The strike affects several key ground services at Brussels Airport including baggage processing and aircraft servicing. Though public transport strikes are scheduled in Belgium on Monday, October 9, 2026, these will not impact air traffic. However, travellers should expect delays on ground transportation to and from the airport due to disruptions in public services.
