Due to a strike by its security staff, Brussels South Charleroi Airport has cancelled all flights departing today, the airport announced on Monday. It is the third strike to hit the airport in just over a month.
“Due to an action of the security sector on Tuesday 22 October 2024 and the lack of staff to ensure security operations, all departing flights from Brussels-Charleroi on that day have been cancelled. The safety of passengers and staff cannot be guaranteed. Passengers due to depart on that day will be contacted within the next few hours by their airline to book a new flight or get a refund”, Brussels South Charleroi Airport said in a statement.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located about 60 kilometres from the Belgian capital Brussels, is also the country’s second busiest airport. It is mainly used by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Today, 89 flights were scheduled to depart from the airport, making up around 16,000 passengers. As Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, currently enjoys its autumn break, it was supposed to be a busy day at the airport. Wizz Air announced it would be moving its scheduled flights to Brussels Airport, though passengers are advised to contact their carrier for more details.
For those arriving today at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, nothing should change. “All arrivals at Charleroi airport will be maintained. Passengers are invited to contact their airline to confirm their flight”, the airport stated.
If everything goes according to plan and the strike ends as scheduled, all operations should resume on Wednesday, 23rd October.
The strike by the security personnel is the third strike to hit the airport in just over a month. On 12 September, a surprise strike by unionised airport employees halted activities at the airport for 24 hours. On 1 October, air traffic at both Charleroi Airport and Brussels Airport was impacted by union action. This time, security personnel are asking for better working conditions and a pay rise.
