Belgium 12 March strike expected to halt most Brussels Airport departures

A 24-hour national strike in Belgium on Thursday, 12 March 2026 is set to disrupt aviation and public transport. Brussels Airport expects little to no departures, while some arrivals may operate with delays to baggage, immigration and ground handling. Several airlines, including Air Canada, have introduced flexible rebooking options. Limited rail services and reduced metro frequency are anticipated. Passengers should consider rebooking or rerouting and keep documentation for any claims. Under EU rules, care and rerouting/refunds apply, while monetary compensation may be limited.

Belgium’s three main union federations have announced a nationwide 24-hour strike for Thursday, 12 March 2026. The action is expected to significantly disrupt air travel and public transport across the country.

Brussels Airport advises that departure operations will be largely suspended during the strike period. With security, baggage handling and air traffic control staff participating, the airport anticipates little to no departures on the day. Some arriving flights may still operate, but travelers should expect delays affecting baggage delivery, immigration processing and onward ground services.

Airlines are responding with flexible options ahead of the disruption. Several carriers, including Air Canada, have issued policies allowing passengers to rebook travel dates free of charge within specified windows, or to request refunds or travel credits. Passengers with time-sensitive itineraries or Schengen connections are encouraged to consider rerouting through alternative hubs or adjusting travel dates to avoid the strike period and potential backlogs.

The wider transport network will also be constrained. Belgium’s national rail operator plans to run only minimal service, and the Brussels metro is expected to operate at extended intervals of up to 20 minutes. Increased demand for taxis and ride-hailing is anticipated, with temporary measures being prepared to facilitate access for licensed taxis. In the logistics sector, time-critical cargo flights are being redirected to other airports, including Liège and Luxembourg.

Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, affected passengers are entitled to rerouting or refunds when flights are canceled, along with duty-of-care provisions such as meals and, where required, accommodation. However, because the disruption stems from a nationwide strike considered beyond airlines’ control, financial compensation may be limited. Travelers should retain all documentation related to cancellations, delays and expenses to support any claims.

Given the scale of expected disruption, passengers due to depart from Brussels Airport on 12 March 2026 should rebook to earlier or later dates where possible. Those who must travel should check with their airline for the latest rebooking options and monitor airport and transport updates closely. Residual effects may continue beyond the strike day as operations recover.