BRUSSELS — All commercial flights to and from Belgium are set to be canceled on Thursday as air traffic controllers join a nationwide strike protesting the new government’s policies. The planned walkout will commence at 6:45 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 10:15 p.m., according to reports from public broadcaster RTBF. This disruption will affect all air traffic below 7,500 meters at major airports including Brussels, Charleroi, Liège, Antwerp, and Ostend.
The cancellations of all outbound flights from Brussels and Charleroi were initially announced on Monday, attributed to a planned strike by baggage handling and security personnel. Subsequently, the ACV Transcom union declared that air traffic controllers would also participate in the protests, standing in solidarity with other workers impacted by the government’s recent cost-cutting measures targeting public services, such as pension reforms.
Impact on air travel and emergency services
The air traffic controllers’ strike signifies a significant disruption to travel plans for many passengers, with all commercial operations suspended throughout the specified period. However, rescue and medical flights will remain operational, ensuring that critical services are not compromised during the protest.
Broader implications of the strike
This strike reflects a growing discontent among workers in Belgium regarding the government’s approach to public service funding and reforms. The air traffic controllers’ decision to strike highlights the interconnectedness of labor actions across various sectors in response to governmental policies that affect job security and benefits.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow workers who are facing the brunt of these cuts,”
said a representative from the ACV Transcom union, emphasizing the collective effort to push back against unfavorable conditions for public sector employees. As the situation develops, further updates regarding flight statuses and additional strikes may emerge, underscoring the importance of these labor actions in shaping public policy.