Brussels Airport Announces Full Departure Cancellation on November 26 Due to Nationwide Strike
Brussels Airport announced on Wednesday that all flight departures scheduled for November 26 have been cancelled as part of a nationwide strike affecting security and ground-handling staff. The airport also warned that some arriving flights may be disrupted, and passengers should expect significant delays. In addition, public transportation to and from Brussels Airport may face interruptions, potentially impacting thousands of travelers.
As one of Europe’s major aviation hubs, Brussels Airport handles more than 25 million passengers annually. It serves as a key gateway to the European Union and operates as an important hub for major airlines such as Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, and TUI fly Belgium. Thanks to its strategic location and extensive flight network, the airport plays a crucial role in international business travel, tourism, and global cargo transport.
In terms of operations, the airport manages around 600 arriving flights per day, welcoming over 20 million disembarking passengers each year. Flight movements increased by 7% in 2023, reaching 192,257 total movements, while passenger flights grew by 12%, averaging 141 passengers per flight.
Brussels Airport is also a leading European cargo hub, handling over 700,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024, marking a 5% year-on-year increase. The airport is especially important for pharmaceutical logistics, with Belgium recognized as one of Europe’s top pharma centers. As part of its long-term strategy, Brussels Airport is working to restore direct air connectivity with India, one of the largest unserved markets in Asia.
