On March 12, a nationwide transport strike will take place in Belgium, which could significantly affect air travel and public transportation. The biggest disruptions are expected at Brussels Airport, where massive flight cancellations and delays are possible. Learn more about how to prepare for your trip and avoid problems on the road

A nationwide strike in Belgium on March 12 could lead to massive flight cancellations and disruptions in public transportation. The protest action will last 24 hours and will cover not only public transport but also the aviation industry, including the operation of services at the country's largest airport, Brussels Airport. Due to possible massive flight cancellations and delays, tourists are advised to check their bookings in advance and prepare alternative itineraries.

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What is known about the March 12 transport strike in Belgium?

On March 12, a nationwide 24-hour strike is planned in Belgium, which will cover several key sectors: public transport, airport services and the aviation industry. The leading trade unions in the country - FGTB/ABVV, CSC/ACV and CGSLB/ACLVB - are joining the action, opposing unpaid labor and pension reform. Due to the involvement of workers in various sectors, the disruptions may be complex and affect not only air travel but also movement in cities and between regions.

The biggest disruptions are expected at Brussels Airport, the country's main airport. Security, baggage handling, and air traffic controllers are likely to join the protests, which could result in most or even all departing flights being canceled. According to the airport's CEO Arnaud Feist, the “most realistic scenario” is a complete halt to departures. Some arriving flights may be operated, but with delays, so passengers are advised to prepare for changes in the schedule.

Similar protests have already led to serious consequences for air traffic. In 2025, nationwide strikes caused a large-scale collapse in airport operations: flights were canceled en masse at both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. This indicates a high risk of a similar scenario happening again this time.

To understand the scale of possible disruptions, 165 to 250 flights operate daily through Belgium's largest airport. Even a short-term service interruption can cause chain delays and massive flight cancellations throughout the day.

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How to prepare for a trip on March 12 and what should passengers do?

Passengers planning to depart or arrive in Belgium on March 12 are advised to reconsider their travel plans in advance. Due to the strike action by security, baggage handling, and air traffic controllers, the most likely scenario is massive cancellations of flights from Brussels Airport. Some arriving flights may be operated, but with delays, so even a confirmed flight does not guarantee an exact arrival time.

The airport recommends not to go to the terminals without prior confirmation of the flight status from the airline. Passengers should contact their carrier or travel operator and, if possible, rebook their trip for another date. Some airlines have already introduced flexible conditions: in particular, they allow you to change the flight date within a certain period for free or cancel your trip with a credit for future travel.

What you should do before traveling:

- Check the flight status immediately before leaving for the airport;

- Check with the carrier to see if there is a possibility of changing the date or route free of charge;

- Have a backup plan for getting around the city in case of public transportation disruptions;

- Allow extra time for travel and possible delays at the airport.

If you cannot reschedule your trip, you should be prepared for schedule changes and long delays at the airport. It is recommended that you regularly check airline messages, follow flight status updates and have an alternative plan for getting around the city, as the strike may also affect public transportation.

No matter how well thought out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! In February and early March, flight delays and cancellations are possible in Italy due to strikes by aviation industry workers and related services. Several European media outlets and Italian news agencies are warning passengers about the risks. We discussed the strikes at Italian airports in more detail in our previous article.

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