Strikes in Belgium on October 9 and 12: How Public Transportation Will Be Affected

On October 9, a national demonstration will take place in Brussels, prompting STIB-MIVB to warn of serious disruptions to metro, tram, and bus service. A separate union protest in the public sector is scheduled for October 12, which may also affect public transportation and rail service. Brussels Airport has separately confirmed that some flights on October 9 will have to be canceled due to ground handling operator Alyzia’s employees participating in the strike.

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What will happen in Belgium on October 9 and 12?

Two separate union protests are scheduled for October in Belgium, so it is important for passengers not to confuse the dates and nature of the disruptions.

On October 9, a national demonstration will take place in Brussels against the government’s austerity measures, cuts to public spending, and changes to the pension system for public-sector employees. Some public transportation workers will join the protest, so the most significant disruptions are expected in the capital.

On October 12, a separate nationwide strike by public sector workers will take place. It will affect not only public transit but also rail service. The Belgian operator SNCB/NMBS has warned of reduced train service, which will be in effect from the evening of October 11 through October 12.

The extent of the disruptions will depend on the number of workers who join the strikes. Therefore, some routes may operate on a reduced schedule, and certain trips may be canceled at the last minute.

We previously reported that a series of air traffic controllers’ strikes is underway at Charleroi Airport in Belgium, causing Ryanair to cancel flights and warn of possible disruptions.

How will the October 9 strike affect transportation in Brussels?

The most significant disruptions on October 9 are expected on the STIB-MIVB network. The operator warns of reduced service on the metro, trams, and buses due to some employees participating in the strike and a demonstration taking place in the city center.

Throughout the day, the following are possible:

- Longer intervals between trips

- Temporary suspension of certain routes

- Closures of some stations in areas where the march will take place

- Changes to bus and tram routes

- Additional delays during peak travel hours

Special attention will be paid to the main metro lines 1, 2, 5, and 6, as well as bus No. 12, which connects Brussels to the airport. STIB-MIVB typically publishes the final list of operating routes early in the morning on the day of the strike, after assessing the number of staff who have reported for duty.

Passengers should not rely on the standard schedule, even if a route remains technically active. Service frequency may vary throughout the day, especially in central Brussels.

In a previous article, we reported that Portugal has been hit by a wave of strikes in the public sector and aviation.

What will happen to trains and flights from the airports?

The biggest changes on the rail network are expected on October 12. SNCB/NMBS plans to switch to an alternative schedule with fewer trains.

The restrictions will begin on the evening of October 11 and remain in effect throughout the following day.

The operator will release the exact schedule closer to the strike, so passengers should check the status of their specific trip immediately before traveling. Some intercity and regional trains may be canceled or run less frequently.

For air travel, major disruptions are expected on October 9. Brussels Airport has announced that some employees of the ground handling company Alyzia will join the strike. As a result, approximately half of the flights handled by this operator may be canceled or rescheduled. Flights handled by Aviapartner are expected to operate without significant changes, according to preliminary data.

A separate issue is getting to the airport. Due to disruptions in city and rail transit, even flights departing on schedule may pose challenges for passengers in terms of transfers. Therefore, it’s advisable to leave for Brussels Airport with plenty of time to spare and to check alternative routes in advance.

Learn more about planned transportation strikes in Europe in October 2026 by following the link.

What should passengers do on October 9 and 12?

On strike days, it’s best not to rely on the regular schedule. Even routes that are technically still operating may run less frequently or change throughout the day.

Before your trip, you should:

- Check the current status of the metro, trams, and buses on the STIB-MIVB website

- Use the SNCB/NMBS trip planner for trains

- Check your flight status directly with the airline

- Allow extra time to get to the train station or airport

- Avoid transfers in central Brussels if possible

- Have a backup route in case of a service cancellation

If your trip isn’t tied to a specific date, it’s best to reschedule it for a day when there is no strike. For those who already have tickets, the most important thing is to check the information on the day of departure, as the final extent of transportation restrictions will depend on the actual participation of workers in the protests.

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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