Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels Airport will cancel all departing passenger flights on October 14, 2025, due to a nationwide trade union strike against government austerity reforms. The strike is expected to heavily disrupt airport operations and public transport nationwide.
Brussels Airport cancels all outbound flights amid national Day of Action against austerity measures
Brussels Airport has officially announced that no passenger flights will depart from the airport on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, due to a national Day of Action mobilisation organised by Belgian trade unions. This industrial action is part of widespread protests against government economic reforms affecting pensions, unemployment benefits, and public sector conditions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the airport said, “Due to the national trade union action on Tuesday 14 October, in which a large number of employees of the security service provider G4S are expected to participate, we unfortunately expect a major impact on airport operations.” The airport, working in close consultation with airlines, has made the difficult decision to cancel all departures to ensure safety and operational feasibility. Some arriving flights may also face cancellations or delays.
Background and Reasons Behind the Strike
The strike is part of growing labour unrest across Belgium throughout 2025, triggered by federal government austerity measures that unions claim erode social security, reduce purchasing power, and disproportionately affect lower-income workers and women. Key contentious reforms include raising the statutory retirement age and altering pension calculation methods.
As reported by Lottie Verrier of Euro Weekly News,
“Belgium has seen a series of nationwide strikes in 2025 as unions protest the so-called socio-economic reforms by the Arizona coalition government under Prime Minister Bart De Wever.”
The government describes the reforms as “the biggest socio-economic reform this country has seen this century.”
Expected Impact on Passengers and Transport
Passengers due to fly out of Brussels Airport on October 14 are urged to check directly with their airlines, which will contact affected customers to outline flight cancellation policies, refunds, and rebooking options.
Brussels Airport cautioned,
“Some arriving flights are also expected to be disrupted, and there may be knock-on effects on public transport networks.”
The two main Belgian rail unions, Autonomous Union of Train Drivers (ASTB) and the Independent Rail Workers’ Union (OVS), have also announced rolling strikes, potentially causing delays and cancellations on trains throughout the region.
The airport’s announcement acknowledged the severe inconvenience caused to travellers, but insisted the strike actions target government policies rather than the airport or airlines themselves.
Impact of Previous Strikes in 2025
2025 has been a tumultuous year for transport in Belgium, with multiple strikes severely impacting Brussels Airport and national mobility. Earlier demonstrations in January, February, March, and April caused cancellations and delays affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers.
As reported by Brussels Times journalist Marie Dupont: “This upcoming October strike will mark the sixth major labour action impacting Brussels Airport this year, causing repeated disruptions and financial strain on the aviation sector and passengers alike.”
Government and Union Positions
Trade unions like ABVV have condemned recent government reforms, stating in their call for action, “The Arizona government has destroyed our social security, social rights, and future prospects.” They plan the October 14 General Strike as a major statement of worker resistance.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever, while defending the reforms as vital for economic sustainability, has acknowledged the scale of opposition. The government has expressed openness to dialogue but remains firm on its policy agenda.
Travel Advisory for the Public
Brussels Airport strongly encourages all passengers scheduled to travel on October 14 to verify their booking status, avoid travelling to the airport unnecessarily, and monitor official airport and airline communications closely. Public transport users should also prepare for delays due to concurrent rail worker strikes.
The National Day of Action on October 14 promises to severely disrupt Belgium’s busiest airport and transport networks as labour unions escalate their protest against sweeping austerity reforms. Brussels Airport and airlines are preparing for wide-scale cancellations and urge passengers to remain vigilant for updates.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
