- Flight Disruptions
- Belgium 12 March strike expected to halt most Brussels Airport departures
Belgium 12 March strike expected to halt most Brussels Airport departures
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By Carmina Davis
Last updated on February 26, 2026
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
What Happened
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.
Flight Disruption Details
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.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other strike
Status
Future – confirmed disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Air Canada
Airports affected
Brussels Airport
Start date
2026-03-12
End date
2026-03-12
Checked by
Carmina Davis
Date updated
February 26, 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
