Brussels Airport is set to axe all departing flights tomorrow as a strike is taking place at the major European hub. Several sectors in Belgium including public transport and schools are likely to be impacted this week as unions hold a three-day national strike.

The walkout comes in response to new legislation proposed by Prime Minister Bart De Wever aimed at reforming labour laws, including changes to benefits and pensions, as part of efforts to address Belgium’s mounting debt. Although the strike began yesterday, the greatest disruption is expected tomorrow, particularly in air travel. Brussels Airport, the country’s largest, has confirmed that all departures scheduled for November 26 will be cancelled, signaling widespread chaos for passengers and significant impact on international travel.

Brussels Airport said in a statement: “Due to the national industrial action on Wednesday 26 November in which the staff of the security and handling service provider is participating, we unfortunately expect major disruptions to our airport operations on that day.

“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing flights on 26 November. In the upcoming days, the airlines will contact passengers directly to inform them of their options.”

Some arrival flights are expected to face disruption alongside public transport services to and from the airport, compounding the travel chaos. 

According to SkyRefund, around 30 flights to the UK will be affected, with major carriers such as British Airways, easyJet, and Brussels Airlines among those impacted. As a result, hundreds of passengers will be forced to seek alternative travel plans, facing cancellations, delays, and significant inconvenience.