A succession of Atlantic low-pressure systems and air-traffic-control walkouts triggered 4,800 flight disruptions across Europe on 6 December, hitting hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris CDG and London Heathrow that feed Brussels Airport’s long-haul network. While Brussels escaped the worst weather, dozens of connecting passengers were stranded and DHL diverted two freighters from Liège to Cologne.
Brussels Airlines reported average inbound delays of 42 minutes on affected UK and France rotations, and Belgian rail operator SNCB ran late-night trains from Zaventem to help travellers who missed last-mile connections. Meteorologists warn another storm could arrive mid-week, raising the prospect of repeat disruption during Belgium’s busiest holiday-travel window.
![Atlantic Storms and ATC Strikes Ripple Into Belgium, Delaying 4,800 European Flights]()
Under EU 261, airlines do not owe compensation for weather-related delays, but they must still provide meals and accommodation once delays exceed two hours. Mobility managers should ensure travellers keep receipts and use airline chatbots rather than airport counters to arrange care entitlements. Flexible tickets and real-time tracking apps are strongly recommended for December travel.
Belgian authorities advise arriving at the airport two hours early for Schengen flights and three hours for non-Schengen until weather patterns stabilise.
Brussels Airlines reported average inbound delays of 42 minutes on affected UK and France rotations, and Belgian rail operator SNCB ran late-night trains from Zaventem to help travellers who missed last-mile connections. Meteorologists warn another storm could arrive mid-week, raising the prospect of repeat disruption during Belgium’s busiest holiday-travel window.
Under EU 261, airlines do not owe compensation for weather-related delays, but they must still provide meals and accommodation once delays exceed two hours. Mobility managers should ensure travellers keep receipts and use airline chatbots rather than airport counters to arrange care entitlements. Flexible tickets and real-time tracking apps are strongly recommended for December travel.
Belgian authorities advise arriving at the airport two hours early for Schengen flights and three hours for non-Schengen until weather patterns stabilise.
