Delta, British, Emirates, United, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Thai, Lufthansa, Turkish, Qatar and More Face New Travel Frenzy as Hundreds of Flights Are Set to Be Cancelled by National Strike Shutting Down Brussels and Charleroi Airports in Belgium This Monday

Travellers across Europe are bracing for a new wave of travel frenzy as a national strike in Belgium is set to shut down both Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport on Monday, March 31, forcing the cancellation of over hundreds of flights and disrupting operations for major international carriers including Delta, British Airways, Emirates, United, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more.

The 24-hour strike, driven by airport workers, security staff, and baggage handlers, will result in the cancellation of over 300 flights, affecting both local and international passengers. Affected airlines include Delta, British Airways, Emirates, United, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and many more across both major and budget carriers.

Brussels Airport, one of Europe’s key hubs, has confirmed that all 244 scheduled departing flights for Monday will be cancelled. The decision was made in coordination with the airlines due to the large number of expected absences among airport personnel critical to safe operations.

In an official statement, Brussels Airport announced:
“Due to a national strike on March 31 and the announced strike of a large number of the security staff and the personnel of the handlers, we expect major disruptions… We have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing passenger flight on March 31.”

The airport further warned that arrivals may also be impacted, depending on the level of operational disruption. Travellers have been strongly advised to check flight status via their airline or the airport’s official channels and to avoid coming to the airport unless instructed.

Meanwhile, Charleroi Airport, a crucial hub for Ryanair and other budget airlines, will cancel all flights in and out of the airport on Monday. In its announcement, the airport cited the inability to maintain safe operations due to a shortage of ground and support staff during the strike.

“Due to the national strike and the lack of staff present to ensure safe operations,” Charleroi Airport stated, “all flights scheduled to and from Charleroi airport on that day will be cancelled.”

The cancellations are set to spark a new wave of travel frenzy, particularly for UK travellers and international flyers amid rising spring holiday traffic. The disruption is also expected to have ripple effects across Europe, with airline schedules thrown into chaos.

Airlines operating at Brussels Airport that are affected include:
Ryanair, Brussels Airlines, KLM, EasyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, and more than 20 others.

UK airports with direct connections to Brussels include:
London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Belfast.

UK airports with direct flights to Charleroi include:
London Gatwick, London Luton, Stansted, Heathrow, City, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Leeds Bradford.

A national strike in Belgium this Monday, March 31, will shut down Brussels and Charleroi airports, forcing hundreds of flight cancellations and disrupting major airlines including Delta, British Airways, Emirates, United, Air Canada, and more.

Brussels Airport alone served 23.6 million passengers in 2024, marking a 6.4% increase over 2023, with February 2025 already recording 1.5 million travellers and more than 11,000 flights. With this scale of volume, Monday’s shutdown will likely lead to a backlog stretching into the following days.

Full List of flight cancelled at Brussels Airport:

As Belgium prepares for a full-scale shutdown of its two busiest airports, travellers across Europe and beyond are being urged to remain alert and plan ahead. With more than 300 flights cancelled and major carriers including Delta, British Airways, Emirates, United, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways facing mass disruption, the impact of Monday’s national strike is expected to ripple far beyond Belgian borders.

Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airlines for rebooking options, monitor official airport updates, and avoid unnecessary travel to Brussels or Charleroi airports on the day of the strike. With tens of thousands of travellers affected and airport operations at a standstill, delays and disruptions may continue into the following days as airlines work to stabilize schedules and clear backlogs. Travellers should prepare for extended inconvenience and stay updated on developments as the situation unfolds.

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