A number of flights to and from the Belgian hub are set to be cancelled on Friday due to strike action by ground handler Alyzia staff, with passengers advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport
Workers are striking at Brussels Airport on Firday.(Image: Getty)
Approximately 140 flights at Brussels Airport face cancellation on Friday as national protests sweep across the country. Ground handler Alyzia’s staff are expected to join the strike action, with services between London, Manchester and Brussels among those hit.
Brussels Airport released an official statement on its website, saying: “On Friday 9 October there is a national manifestation.
“Part of the staff from ground handler Alyzia is expected to take part in this action. Based on the current information approximately half of the flights handled by Alyzia is expected to operate as planned.
“Unfortunately, a number of flights will have to be cancelled. We regret the inconvenience caused by this union action.”
Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air Arabia, and United Airlines are all among the carriers affected by the disruption, reports the Express. Brussels Airlines services hit by the cancellations include flights to Heathrow at 4.55pm, to Manchester at 10am and 9.30pm, from Manchester at 8.30am and 1.30pm, and from Heathrow at 8pm.
Routes to and from Paris, Budapest, Madrid, and Chicago are also caught up in the disruption. British Airways passengers travelling to and from the Belgian capital on Friday can breathe a sigh of relief, however, as their flights remain unaffected, along with services to and from Edinburgh.
Budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air are equally unaffected, as their ground handling operations at the airport are managed by a separate provider. Brussels Airlines confirmed its staff are not participating in the industrial action, stating: “We regret that this is already the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by industrial action taken by external parties.”
The airline added: “This action is disrupting the travel plans of thousands of passengers and is having a significant financial impact on Brussels Airlines.”
When strikes cause flight cancellations, these are classified as “extraordinary circumstances” beyond the airline’s control, which means passengers cannot claim compensation.
Nevertheless, airlines must offer rebooking or refunds at no cost, and supply meals, refreshments, and overnight accommodation where necessary.
Airlines partnering with Alyzia will reach out to passengers directly regarding their flight status and available alternatives. Alyzia handles baggage processing, ramp services, de-icing, aircraft cleaning, and cargo operations.
The company supports approximately 20 airlines at Brussels Airport with baggage handling and ground operations for passenger aircraft.
Further strike action is anticipated on Monday throughout Belgium’s public sector, though air traffic will remain unaffected. Public transport services are, however, likely to face disruption, potentially causing delays for travellers heading to or from Brussels Airport.
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