Brussels Airport strike threat lifts, but Charleroi holiday flights still face labour risk
A threatened strike by a ground handler at Brussels Airport has been called off, according to Flemish reports, easing immediate pressure on holiday travellers.
In 30 seconds
- Flemish reports say a ground-handler strike threat at Brussels Airport has been withdrawn.
- HLN and Het Nieuwsblad report that a new strike notice remains possible at Charleroi Airport.
- Brussels Airport handled 23.6 million passengers in 2024, up 6.4 percent from 2023.
- BSCA says Charleroi is Belgium’s second passenger airport and serves more than 100 direct destinations.
Key fact
23.6 million Brussels Airport handled passengers in 2024, up 6.4 percent from 2023.
The subject is a labour-risk split between Belgium’s two main passenger airports: Brussels Airport at Zaventem, where a ground-handler strike threat has reportedly been withdrawn, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, where a new strike notice remains possible. Named entities include Brussels Airport Company, Brussels South Charleroi Airport S.A. (BSCA), ground-handling companies, airlines using the airports, and Belgian unions such as ACV-CSC and FGTB/ABVV.
Background
Belgian airport traffic fell sharply during the pandemic and has since recovered unevenly. Brussels Airport’s 2024 passenger volume was still below its 2019 level, while Charleroi’s low-cost model has become a major Walloon employment and connectivity asset. Labour disputes now play out in a sector that has regained demand but remains under pressure on staffing, margins and punctuality.
What to do
Passengers should check airline messages before leaving, allow extra time at Charleroi, avoid tight onward connections, and keep receipts for potential insurance or compensation claims if disruption occurs.
Impact
Regional — The immediate regional impact is strongest in Flemish Brabant around Zaventem and in the Charleroi area of Wallonia. Brussels travellers are affected through both airports, especially because Charleroi markets itself as a Brussels-linked low-cost airport.
EvidenceWell established · 2 primary sources + 3 official documentsExplore evidence →Hide evidence ↑
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This story was assembled from verified evidence, with its sources and reasoning recorded as it was written.