A massive three-day nationwide strike is underway in Belgium, paralyzing transport, airports, utilities and government agencies. Find out which sectors are most affected, how it affects travelers and what rights passengers have in the event of flight cancellations or delays

A major three-day strike in Belgium began on November 24, covering key sectors from rail and urban transport to airports, government agencies, utilities and education. The strike was organized by the leading Belgian unions ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV and CGSLB-ACLVB, who are opposing the federal government’s socio-economic reforms.

The unions say that changes to pensions, wages and social protection are “worsening the living standards of workers” and are demanding that the government reverse some of the reforms and adopt “socially fair policies”.

The strike is having a significant impact on travel, airport operations and public transport, so travelers and expats are advised to keep a close eye on the situation.

During major strikes, it is especially important to have valid travel insurance to cover unforeseen expenses. Schedule changes, transport delays, cancelled flights or forced extension of stay in the country may result in additional costs for accommodation, food or medical care.

Take out insurance in advance - it is a small investment that allows you to avoid significantly higher costs in force majeure situations.

Schedule of the national strike in Belgium 2025

November 24 - the first day (already took place)

On Monday, public transport and rail workers were the first to join the protest.

Train traffic was significantly limited, some lines were inaccessible. In many cities, there were disruptions in the work of trams and buses, and in some regions, transport was partially stopped.

November 25 - the second day (ongoing now)

Today, public services, the education sector, and some municipal services joined the strike.

Disruptions are expected in the work of administrative centers, municipalities, some schools and childcare facilities. Delays and cancellations of services are possible in Brussels and other regions, as well as pickets near institutions.

November 26 - the culmination of the strike

The last day will be the most extensive: the action will be supported by workers in the private sector, transport, airports, postal services, utilities and logistics.

This is actually a nationwide strike that could paralyze movement across the country.

Important! Unlike previous general strikes, mass demonstrations are not planned in Brussels, but pickets are being set up across the country that could block roads, entrances to businesses and the operation of shops.

Transport disruptions in Belgium due to strike 2025

Rail transport

National operator SNCB/NMBS has warned of serious disruptions to the timetable from 22:00 on November 23 until the end of the day on November 26, namely:

- Train services reduced;

- Some routes cancelled;

- Alternative lines only operating where there are staff;

- Passengers are advised to check the timetable online before each journey.

Eurostar high-speed trains have also been affected by the strike:

- Between Brussels and Paris – only half of the services are running;

- Brussels-Amsterdam-London – around 75% of services;

- Brussels-Liège-Germany – only 20% of services;

- Between London and Paris – traffic is stable.

Passengers have already received information about the changes and an offer to rebook for free.

Detailed information about each train is available online.

Public transport in Belgian cities

Brussels – STIB/MIVB

- Metro, trams and buses are operating with significant disruptions.

- Some routes are partially serviced, others may stop during peak hours.

STIB's support service is open from 6 am to help passengers find alternatives. The service is available via social media at +32 (0)2 563 89 17.

Flanders – De Lijn

- Limited traffic throughout the network,

- Cancellations possible even on the day of travel,

- Information is gradually updated on the website and in the app.

Find more information on the De Lijn website and app.

Wallonia – TEC

The strike covers the entire network: mass cancellations are expected from 24 to 26 November.

Check the operator's current timetable on the website or in the app.

Ferry services

River and coastal ferries in Flanders have been disrupted since 24 November. In addition, the staff of the traffic control centre in Zeebrugge will join the strike from Monday evening to Wednesday morning.

The Basel-Chemixe ferry service is not operating.

The Sint-Anna ferry has stopped operating since 25 November at 07:00. It will not operate on Wednesday from midnight to 7 p.m.

The Kruibeke-Hoboken ferry will not operate on Tuesday and will not operate on Wednesday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The ferry to Terdonk will not operate on Wednesday from 7 a.m.

Strike at Belgian airports 2025

The most critical day for the Belgian aviation industry will be November 26.

Brussels Airport (BRU, Zaventem)

All passenger flights have been canceled on November 26.

There are also possible disruptions among arriving flights. The airport has warned: do not arrive without a flight confirmation.

Passengers can contact their airlines for updated information or visit the airport website.

Charleroi Airport (CRL)

“Serious disruptions” have been declared, the vast majority of flights will be canceled.

Passengers will receive a notification from the airlines and can choose to receive a refund or reschedule.

Ostend and Antwerp

This information is not yet confirmed - these airports have been operating normally during previous strikes.

Public utilities in Belgium during the national strike

From November 24, waste collection in Belgium will be severely disrupted. Priority will be given to food and mixed waste.

Bruxelles Propreté advises households to place their white and orange waste bags in accordance with the regional waste management calendar during the strike. Their full collection will be organized from November 27.

The collection of blue, yellow and green bags will be postponed for a week from December 1. In addition, bulky waste and chemical waste may not be collected this week.

How does the Belgian postal service work during the strike?

Bpost may experience possible delays, but the company has deployed volunteers to minimize disruptions.

Belgian supermarket operations

The impact on Belgian supermarkets is minimal. Delhaize in particular expects to operate without significant disruptions.

Belgian administrative institutions and courts

The city of Brussels has warned of disruptions to administrative centres from 24 to 26 November. Residents are advised to visit the websites of their local municipalities for more information.

Courts are operating as usual, but some hearings may be delayed due to travel issues.

Education and law enforcement

Education unions have given notice of a strike for 25-26 November – possible class closures, staff shortages, changes to the timetable.

The police union is also on strike for the entire period: workers are demanding better working conditions and professional recognition.

Why are the Belgians on strike?

The unions are putting forward a wide range of demands, including:

- Increase in wages and indexation in line with the real rate of inflation;

- Improvement of working conditions, including reduction of overtime;

- Social protection guarantees – protest against pension cuts and reduction of benefits;

- Tax on large fortunes and digital corporations;

- End of “unconditional subsidies to large companies”.

Travel advice for Belgium during the strike

- If your flight is scheduled for November 26th, check the status immediately.

- Do not go to the airport without confirmation of your flight from the airline.

- Plan your routes with plenty of time - transport is disrupted.

- Follow the updates of transport operators (SNCB, STIB, De Lijn, TEC).

- If possible, choose alternative travel options or postpone your trip.

What rights do tourists have whose flights are canceled or delayed due to strikes?

If your flight is canceled or seriously delayed due to strikes, here's what you need to know:

1. Contact the airline. In case of any changes, contact the airline immediately. They are obliged to provide information about alternatives - rebooking or refunds.

2. There is no compensation for short delays. If your flight is delayed by less than 2 hours, financial compensation is usually not provided.

Delay of more than 3 hours - compensation is possible. If, due to a delay or missed connection, you arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late (and this is not force majeure), you are entitled to compensation under EU law.

3. Airline obligations regarding meals. If the delay lasts several hours, the carrier must provide passengers with drinks and snacks:

- flights up to 1,500 km - after 2 hours of waiting

- flights 1,500–3,500 km - after 3 hours

- over 3,500 km - after 4 hours

Important! If providing meals threatens an even greater delay, the carrier has the right not to provide them.

4. Overnight delay - hotel at the expense of the airline. If your flight is postponed to the next day, you must be offered accommodation and a transfer. If this does not happen, keep your receipts - you are entitled to compensation for expenses.

5. Refund in case of cancellation. If the flight is canceled and you do not plan to travel, the airline must refund the full cost of the ticket within 7 days.

6. Alternative - a voucher. Sometimes you may be offered a voucher instead of money. If its value is increased (for example, +25%) and you are sure that you will use it in the future, this may be a profitable option.

If the airline refuses compensation, does not provide meals, a hotel or wrongfully does not refund money for a canceled flight, you have the right to appeal such actions.

Our legal partners will help you understand your rights under EU law, prepare an appeal to the carrier and obtain compensation.

Do not be left alone with the problem - seek professional legal advice if your rights as a passenger have been violated.

Reminder! Traveling in Europe in 2025 may be complicated by numerous strikes in the aviation and transport sectors. We have already told you about the current dates and countries where airport and airline workers are on strike, as well as how this may affect your flights and what to do to minimize delays and inconvenience.

Photo – Freepik

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