- Flight Disruptions
- 12 March Belgium strike: Brussels Airport halts all departures; Charleroi closed
12 March Belgium strike: Brussels Airport halts all departures; Charleroi closed
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By Josh Arnfield
Last updated on March 11, 2026
65,000
Impacted travelers
2
Affected airports
4
Affected airlines
What Happened
A 24-hour national strike on Thursday, 12 March 2026 will halt all departing passenger flights at Brussels Airport (BRU) and fully close Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Some arrivals at BRU may still land but face severe delays due to limited staffing. Over 65,000 passengers are affected. Brussels Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and United Airlines have issued waivers for free rebooking between 11–19 March. Travelers are advised to rebook immediately, avoid departing on 13 March due to knock-on disruption, and consider overland travel to nearby airports.
Flight Disruption Details
A 24‑hour national strike in Belgium on Thursday, 12 March 2026 will suspend all departing passenger flights from Brussels Airport (BRU). The airport is stopping outbound operations to prevent terminal crowding and to maintain safety as key personnel, including security screeners, baggage handlers, and air traffic controllers, will take part in the action. Some inbound flights may continue to arrive at BRU, but travelers should expect significant delays because baggage and immigration services will be short-staffed.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) will be fully closed for the entire day on 12 March, with no departures or arrivals operating. The strike is tied to a broader National Day of Action and is organized by ACV/CSC, ABVV/FGTB, and ACLVB/CGSLB.
More than 65,000 passengers are affected. Several major airlines—including Brussels Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and United Airlines—have issued travel waivers that allow free rebooking for trips between 11 and 19 March. Passengers are advised not to move travel to Friday, 13 March, as residual disruption from aircraft and crew displacements is likely to cause further delays.
For those who must travel on 12 March, the recommended alternative is to depart Belgium on the evening of Wednesday, 11 March, using overland transport to nearby airports such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, or Düsseldorf, where flights are expected to operate normally on 12 March. Train tickets to these hubs are selling out quickly.
Travelers should monitor their airline apps for updates, rebook immediately where possible, and check the SNCB mobile app for details on the limited rail services expected to run on 12 March. Airport retail and food outlets at BRU may be closed or operating with reduced service, so arriving passengers should consider carrying snacks and essentials.
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
Passengers affected
65000
Airlines affected
Brussels Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines
Airports affected
Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Start date
2026-03-12
End date
2026-03-12
Checked by
Josh Arnfield
Date updated
March 11, 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.
