Baggage handlers at Brussels Airport have performed a flash industrial strike this morning (Monday 26 February 2024) amid ongoing negotiations over pay levels and working conditions. Just as parts of the city have ground to a halt due to farmers roadblocks, the unannounced walkout by workers for Aviapartners creates another layer of misery in what is already a difficult day for many in the city, adding disrupted baggage handling operations and delayed flights at the airport to the mix of congestion and traffic jams.
Thousands of items of luggage likely affected
At the time of writing, it is unclear how long the baggage handlers’ industrial action will last. Described by unions as a “spontaneous staff meeting”, the wildcat strike temporarily reduces the airport’s capacity to load and unload baggage, meaning many flyers may have already taken off without their baggage on the plane with them.
Similar action protesting working conditions and high levels of job stress took place in 2023, also targeting the winter “carnival” school break, particularly the Francophone school holiday. On that occasion the result was 5000 items of luggage left behind at Brussels instead of reaching passenger destinations.
What can I do?
With the farmers’ protests currently “blocking the A201 roundabout, creating traffic congestion around and towards the airport”, according to an airport update, passengers are being advised to leave plenty of time and to travel to and from the airport by train, rather than by car.
In addition, before leaving for the airport and while preparing their luggage, passengers are being advised to check whether their flight is served by Aviapartner. Those whose flight is handled by Alyzia should experience “no impact”, according to an airport press release. TUI flights also take care of their own baggage handling.
If passengers find their flight is served by Aviapartner however, they are advised to “travel light with hand luggage only”. The airport is also providing a link showing how to make a claim for lost baggage with airlines.
Luggage taking longer to reach carousels
As well as departing passengers, people arriving on incoming flights are also affected. An airport spokesperson asked for arrivals’ patience, as luggage may take longer to reach carousels. It also signalled some hope that the strike may be of short duration, saying “baggage [sic] handling might resume shortly”.
“We do everything in our power to limit the impact of this action,” the airport said, adding that it apologized “for any inconvenience.”
