European union federations have called coordinated strikes across Belgium, France, Germany and Italy later this month, with the latest strike calendar confirmed on 11 November 2025 by industry publication Travel & Tour World. The Belgian segment will see airport security, rail engineers and public-sector workers walk out in staggered actions between 24 and 26 November, affecting Brussels Airport, Charleroi Airport and the national rail operator SNCB.
At Brussels Airport, ground-handling firms have already filed strike notices covering the 24-hour period starting 24 November. Brussels Airlines has pre-emptively cancelled 70 flights and warned that additional cuts are possible once minimum-service levels are finalised. Charleroi Airport plans a full shutdown of departures on 25 November if security-screening posts cannot be staffed. Business-class passengers with tight schedules are being re-routed through Amsterdam and Paris, but seat availability is tightening quickly.
![Wave of November Transport Strikes to Hit Belgium’s Air, Rail and Metro Networks]()
On the ground, Brussels’ public-transport operator STIB-MIVB says staffing levels will drop well below the legal minimum, leading to severely reduced metro, tram and bus frequencies throughout the three-day window. The operator published a dedicated strike information page on 10 November advising commuters to expect extensive disruption and to consider bike-share or taxi alternatives.
For corporate mobility managers, the timing is awkward: the strikes coincide with Black Friday logistics peaks and several EU Council working groups scheduled in Brussels. Companies are activating contingency plans that include flexible working, hoteling staff in the EU quarter, and switching client meetings to virtual formats. Travellers already ticketed during the strike window should be encouraged to rebook or depart early; most airlines are offering free date changes, but rail operators are providing only partial refunds.
Labour analysts say the Belgian unions are protesting planned pension reforms and spending cuts in the 2026 federal budget. While previous one-day strikes caused flight delays averaging 40 minutes, the unprecedented three-day action could cost airlines and logistics providers an estimated €18 million in direct disruption and knock-on costs.
At Brussels Airport, ground-handling firms have already filed strike notices covering the 24-hour period starting 24 November. Brussels Airlines has pre-emptively cancelled 70 flights and warned that additional cuts are possible once minimum-service levels are finalised. Charleroi Airport plans a full shutdown of departures on 25 November if security-screening posts cannot be staffed. Business-class passengers with tight schedules are being re-routed through Amsterdam and Paris, but seat availability is tightening quickly.
On the ground, Brussels’ public-transport operator STIB-MIVB says staffing levels will drop well below the legal minimum, leading to severely reduced metro, tram and bus frequencies throughout the three-day window. The operator published a dedicated strike information page on 10 November advising commuters to expect extensive disruption and to consider bike-share or taxi alternatives.
For corporate mobility managers, the timing is awkward: the strikes coincide with Black Friday logistics peaks and several EU Council working groups scheduled in Brussels. Companies are activating contingency plans that include flexible working, hoteling staff in the EU quarter, and switching client meetings to virtual formats. Travellers already ticketed during the strike window should be encouraged to rebook or depart early; most airlines are offering free date changes, but rail operators are providing only partial refunds.
Labour analysts say the Belgian unions are protesting planned pension reforms and spending cuts in the 2026 federal budget. While previous one-day strikes caused flight delays averaging 40 minutes, the unprecedented three-day action could cost airlines and logistics providers an estimated €18 million in direct disruption and knock-on costs.
