Belgium’s three main trade unions have called a 24-hour nationwide strike for 12 March 2026 to protest federal budget cuts, and aviation stakeholders warn that air travel could come to a near-standstill. Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist told reporters that “a virtually complete halt of all outbound flights is the most realistic scenario,” while Charleroi Airport anticipates similar disruption. Security staff, baggage handlers and air-traffic controllers—crucial to airport operations—are among the striking members. (m.economictimes.com)
Airlines have begun freezing seat sales on 11–13 March and offering fee-free rebooking. Travellers holding non-flexible tickets, including many corporate road-warriors, should reschedule now before alternative routings via Amsterdam, Paris CDG or Frankfurt sell out. Inbound flights that do operate are expected to face protracted immigration queues and baggage delays, so connecting passengers should plan longer layovers. (m.economictimes.com)
![Nationwide Belgian Strike on 12 March Expected to Ground Most Flights]()
If shifting travel dates or rerouting through other Schengen gateways means you now need a new or updated Belgian visa, VisaHQ’s online platform can expedite the paperwork. The service (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) guides you through requirements, submits digital applications and arranges courier pickup, ensuring your documents are sorted even as the strike reshuffles itineraries.
Multinationals with time-sensitive assignments in Belgium are activating contingency plans: relocating meetings online, bringing staff in earlier, or routing them through regional airports in Lille and Eindhoven. Mobility managers should also watch for knock-on effects to Eurostar and domestic rail, which often see capacity crunches during aviation shutdowns.
Previous Belgian general strikes have paralysed public transport and created road-haulage gridlock at Antwerp’s and Zeebrugge’s ports; freight forwarders therefore advise advancing critical shipments by at least 48 hours. Should negotiations fail, authorities will publish a minimum-service decree only 48 hours before the strike, leaving little room for last-minute adjustments. (m.economictimes.com)
Airlines have begun freezing seat sales on 11–13 March and offering fee-free rebooking. Travellers holding non-flexible tickets, including many corporate road-warriors, should reschedule now before alternative routings via Amsterdam, Paris CDG or Frankfurt sell out. Inbound flights that do operate are expected to face protracted immigration queues and baggage delays, so connecting passengers should plan longer layovers. (m.economictimes.com)
If shifting travel dates or rerouting through other Schengen gateways means you now need a new or updated Belgian visa, VisaHQ’s online platform can expedite the paperwork. The service (https://www.visahq.com/belgium/) guides you through requirements, submits digital applications and arranges courier pickup, ensuring your documents are sorted even as the strike reshuffles itineraries.
Multinationals with time-sensitive assignments in Belgium are activating contingency plans: relocating meetings online, bringing staff in earlier, or routing them through regional airports in Lille and Eindhoven. Mobility managers should also watch for knock-on effects to Eurostar and domestic rail, which often see capacity crunches during aviation shutdowns.
Previous Belgian general strikes have paralysed public transport and created road-haulage gridlock at Antwerp’s and Zeebrugge’s ports; freight forwarders therefore advise advancing critical shipments by at least 48 hours. Should negotiations fail, authorities will publish a minimum-service decree only 48 hours before the strike, leaving little room for last-minute adjustments. (m.economictimes.com)
