Brussels faces total airport shutdown as union strikes threaten to strand 70,000 travelers—yet European leaders remain stubbornly committed to disruptive policies that frustrate hardworking families. Unions Paralyze Brussels Airports, Disrupting Tens of Thousands of Passengers On October 14, both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport will suspend all departing flights as their security and ground staff join a nationwide union strike. This action is expected to disrupt the travel plans of up to 70,000 passengers in a single day, with significant impact anticipated at one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs. Brussels Airport averages 200 departures daily and serves key international destinations, including major British cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The extent of inbound flight disruptions remains uncertain, pending decisions by airline staff on the level of participation in the strike. Come on @BrusselsAirport ,great to be a popular airport,but can you please invest in extra capacityGigantic security queues,with everyone stressed if they get their &friends needing to wait for 3.5 hours due to understaffed passport controls are unacceptable&bad for tourism. pic.twitter.com/4mIXCU9vX9 — Inge Brees (@IngeBrees) October 6, 2025 Government Policies Fuel Unrest and Threaten Economic Stability The strikes are the latest in a series of industrial actions across Belgium since the start of 2025, highlighting growing frustration with the government’s proposed reforms. Unions are protesting plans that would raise the retirement age and overhaul the pension system—moves they say threaten the livelihoods of everyday workers and undermine established social protections. In February, similar protests led to the cancellation of 430 flights at Brussels Airport, demonstrating the severe consequences of policy decisions that ignore public sentiment and the needs of working families. Travel Chaos and Broader Implications for Families and Businesses Brussels Airport management issued a statement confirming the complete suspension of departing passenger flights on October 14 to guarantee safety for staff and travelers. Charleroi Airport officials likewise announced the cancellation of all flights due to a lack of available personnel. These disruptions will not only inconvenience tens of thousands of passengers but also threaten business operations and family plans throughout the region. Such repeated travel chaos underscores the dangers of government overreach and the failure to prioritize stability, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of citizens over controversial social reforms. Unions Intensify National Action Amid Widespread Discontent The October 14 strike is part of a larger wave of industrial action sweeping Belgium, driven by union opposition to a government savings plan. Nationwide, unions are escalating their tactics, signaling deeper unrest and dissatisfaction with leaders who appear out of touch with the public’s core values and practical concerns. The persistent strikes reveal a glaring disconnect between policymakers and the families whose lives are upended by each new round of disruption. Confusion Over Passenger Rights and Airline Responsibilities As passengers grapple with cancelled flights and uncertain plans, experts warn that confusion over compensation rules remains widespread. While strikes by airline staff may entitle travelers to airline-controlled remedies, most ground and airport staff actions fall outside typical compensation policies. Nevertheless, airlines retain a duty of care—meaning they must provide reasonable accommodation, meals, and support for those facing substantial delays. In the face of government-driven unrest, it is critical for travelers to know their rights and demand accountability from both airlines and elected officials. Sources: Major European city to be paralysed by airport strikes next week – with 70,000 passengers affected