- Flight Disruptions
- Brussels Airport to cancel most departures and Charleroi to close on 12 May
Brussels Airport to cancel most departures and Charleroi to close on 12 May
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on May 6, 2026
Disruption overview
A national demonstration planned in Belgium for 12 May 2026 is set to cause major flight disruption around Brussels. Brussels Airport (BRU) will cancel just over half of departing passenger flights, while Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) will cancel every arrival and departure for the day.
Airlines are updating schedules and contacting affected passengers with rebooking or refund options, and travelers are being advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Because the disruption comes from wider national industrial action rather than airline staff alone, compensation under EC 261 is unlikely for most passengers, but airlines should still provide care and assistance if your journey is disrupted.
Disruption details
Passengers flying through Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) on 12 May 2026 should expect major disruption. Brussels Airport will cancel just over half of its departing passenger flights, while Brussels South Charleroi Airport will cancel every departing and arriving flight because of a national demonstration in Belgium.
For passengers, this is likely to mean rebookings, refunds, and longer travel days before they even reach the airport. Airlines are already revising their schedules and contacting affected travelers directly with updated options.
The action has been called by Belgium's three main trade union federations — CSC/ACV, FGTB/ABVV, and CGSLB/ACLVB — for Tuesday 12 May in Brussels. The unions are protesting federal socio-economic reforms affecting pensions, working conditions, and taxation. It isn't being described as a general strike, but participants will be covered by strike pay, and several sectors have already warned of serious disruption.
Airport plans currently look like this:
Brussels Airport says just over half of all departing passenger flights scheduled for 12 May will be canceled. Arriving flights are only expected to see limited impact, but travelers are being urged to check their flight status in advance.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport will shut down completely for the day, with all departures and arrivals canceled.
The regional airports at Ostend-Bruges and Antwerp are currently expecting normal operations.
If you're flying to or from Brussels or Charleroi, it's worth checking both your airline and airport updates before leaving home. Airlines say affected passengers will be offered rebooking or refund options directly.
Getting to the airport could also be harder than usual. Brussels public transport operator STIB/MIVB expects reduced metro, tram, and bus services, with exact frequencies due on 11 May. De Lijn in Flanders and LeTec in Wallonia have also warned of fewer buses and trams, and their provisional alternative timetables are due online between 10 May and 11 May.
Because this disruption comes from wider national industrial action rather than action limited to airline staff, compensation under EC 261 is unlikely for most passengers on EU routes. Still, if your flight is canceled, your airline should offer you rerouting or a refund, and it should provide food and refreshments if you're left waiting for several hours.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellations
Cause
Other strike
Status
Future – confirmed disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
Brussels Airport, Charleroi Brussels Airport
Cities affected
Brussels, Charleroi
Countries affected
Belgium
Start date
2026-05-12
End date
2026-05-12
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
May 6, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
