Zaventem – Although overshadowed by the drone saga, a rolling strike by airport security and cleaning contractors entered its sixth week on 6 November, further squeezing Brussels Airport’s staffing levels. The action, led by the Christian union CSC, began on 1 October 2024 but has intensified in recent days, with up to 40 percent of checkpoint staff refusing overtime. Russian phases mirror the strike; flights already thinned by drone closures now face additional queues at security.
Employers’ federation BECI warned that chronic understaffing could deter carriers from operating marginal winter routes, hurting Belgium’s connectivity. Brussels Airport says it has redeployed administrative staff and prioritised transfer passengers but still cancelled several first-wave departures on Thursday.
![Airport security strike continues to pinch capacity as unions press pay demands]()
Negotiations remain stalled. Unions want a €2 hourly pay rise, guaranteed 30-minute rest breaks and an end to zero-hours contracts. Management has offered €0.75 plus a one-off bonus. The federal mediation service has invited both sides to fresh talks next Monday, but no breakthrough is expected.
International travellers should allow an extra hour for pre-flight screening and consider arriving landside the night before early-morning departures while the action continues.
Employers’ federation BECI warned that chronic understaffing could deter carriers from operating marginal winter routes, hurting Belgium’s connectivity. Brussels Airport says it has redeployed administrative staff and prioritised transfer passengers but still cancelled several first-wave departures on Thursday.
Negotiations remain stalled. Unions want a €2 hourly pay rise, guaranteed 30-minute rest breaks and an end to zero-hours contracts. Management has offered €0.75 plus a one-off bonus. The federal mediation service has invited both sides to fresh talks next Monday, but no breakthrough is expected.
International travellers should allow an extra hour for pre-flight screening and consider arriving landside the night before early-morning departures while the action continues.
