Cancelled flights, disrupted public transport - general strike in Belgium on Tuesday

Key Disruptions

The general strike in Belgium on April 29th, 2025, resulted in significant disruptions across the country. All departing flights at Brussels Airport were cancelled, and Charleroi Airport also saw all flights cancelled. Public transportation faced major disruptions, including limited metro, tram, and bus services in Brussels, reduced train services nationwide, and affected bus and tram services in Flanders and Wallonia.

Reasons for the Strike

Workers in both the private and public sectors protested against the new Federal Government's budget cuts, which include longer working hours for lower pensions, erosion of civil servants' statutes, and cuts to unemployment and long-term sickness benefits. Unions criticized the government's policies as "social destruction," highlighting the contrast between billions spent on arms and limited resources for workers.

Geographic Impact

The strike impacted various regions across Belgium. Actions and demonstrations occurred in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Roeselare, Charleroi, Tournai, Liège, Namur, La Louvière, Eupen, and Verviers. The Port of Antwerp also experienced shipping disruptions.

Specific Transportation Impacts

• Brussels Airport: All departing flights cancelled.
• Charleroi Airport: All flights cancelled.
• Trains (SNCB/NMBS): Significant disruptions, with reduced services for IC, L, S, and P trains. International train impacts were uncertain.
• Brussels Public Transport (STIB/MIVB): Severe disruptions to metro, tram, and bus services.
• Flemish Public Transport (De Lijn): One-third of buses and over half of trams cancelled.
• Walloon Public Transport (TEC): Disruptions expected, details to be communicated per province.

Passengers were advised to check online journey planners and contact their airlines for flight rebooking or refunds.