Brussels, Charleroi Airport, SNCB, Infrabel, HR-Rail, Metros, and Cross-Border Trains Halted as Belgium Travel Grinds to a Halt Amid New Strikes

Published on February 22, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Belgium is facing widespread travel paralysis as a fresh wave of nationwide strikes brings the country’s transport network to a standstill. Brussels and Charleroi Airports, along with SNCB trains, Infrabel rail operations, HR-Rail personnel, metros, and cross-border train services, are experiencing severe disruptions, leaving commuters and travelers stranded.

The nationwide railway strike, spanning nine days, has already begun, significantly affecting public transport in Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and other major cities. Adding to the chaos, airport workers will continue their monthly strikes, further impacting flight schedules at Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport. Meanwhile, cross-border train services to Lille, Maubeuge, Luxembourg, Roosendaal, Maastricht, and Aachen are also affected.

With public transport crippled and mass protests fueling further instability, Belgium’s travel system is grinding to a halt. Passengers are urged to check for real-time updates and explore alternative routes to navigate the disruptions.

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming strikes, the reasons behind them, and how you can navigate the disruptions.

Nationwide Rail Strike from 21 February to 2 March

Belgium’s rail services will be severely impacted as workers across the country’s railway network go on strike for nine days.

Key Details:

• Start Date: Friday, 21 February at 10 PM
• End Date: Sunday, 2 March at 10 PM
• Affected Cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and other major cities
• Transport Impact: Trains, buses, trams, and metro services will all face disruptions

Most SNCB personnel, along with employees of Infrabel and HR-Rail, are participating in the strike, meaning train services could come to a near standstill.

What This Means for Travelers

• Severe delays and cancellations for local train services.
• Public transport in major cities will also be affected, including bus, tram, and metro systems.
• Limited alternative train services will be available based on staff availability.

Belgium’s national rail operator SNCB has expressed regret for the inconvenience, stating:
“We understand and regret that this strike may interfere with your travels. In order to deal with the limited number of trains running, we will put in place an alternative service in accordance with staff availability.”

Are International Trains Affected?

International train services, such as Eurostar, TGV INOUI, EuroCity, EuroCity Direct, ICE, and OUIGO, are expected to remain unaffected. However, travelers are advised to check for real-time updates on the SNCB International website.

If you are traveling between Belgium and neighboring countries, SNCB suggests considering alternative routes, particularly for local cross-border trains to or from:

• Lille and Maubeuge (France)
• Luxembourg
• Roosendaal and Maastricht (Netherlands)
• Aachen (Germany)

Travelers who rely on local connections within Belgium before or after an international journey should be prepared for possible disruptions.

More Strikes to Disrupt Airports and Public Transport

As if the rail strike wasn’t enough, airport workers in Belgium have also planned ongoing strikes, which will take place on the 13th of every month until further notice.

This could lead to flight delays and cancellations, affecting both domestic and international air travel. Brussels Airport, Charleroi Airport, and other regional airports may experience disruptions, so passengers should check with their airlines before traveling.

Additionally, mass protests and demonstrations are expected to continue, particularly in Brussels, leading to further disruptions to public transport and potential road closures.

Recent Mass Protests in Belgium

The railway strike follows recent mass protests in Brussels, where an estimated 50,000 people took to the streets in opposition to new government policies.

Why Are People Protesting?

The demonstrations are mainly against government reforms, including:

• Budget cuts to public services
• Pension reforms
• Stricter measures on unemployment benefits
• Workplace flexibility changes

The protests have been mostly peaceful, but they have caused significant disruptions to public transport, postal services, and businesses—something travelers should keep in mind when moving around Belgium.

A general strike has also been scheduled for 31 March, which could cause further disruptions across the country.

Passenger Rights: Can You Get a Refund?

If your travel plans are affected by the strikes, you may be entitled to compensation or a refund under EU law.

Refund and Compensation Rules for Rail Passengers

• If your train is canceled due to the strike, you can claim a full refund or request a reissue of your ticket for a later date.
• If your train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can either:
  • Cancel your trip and get a full refund.
  • Continue your journey and claim partial or full compensation, depending on how late your train arrives at its destination.

To apply for refunds or check your rights, visit the official SNCB website or the customer service page of your train operator.

What Should Travelers Do?

If you’re traveling to or within Belgium during this period, plan ahead and prepare for disruptions. Here’s what you can do:

• Check for real-time updates – Use the SNCB journey planner or app for the latest train schedules.
• Consider alternative transport – Taxis, rental cars, and buses may be options, but availability could be limited.
• Adjust your itinerary – If you have flexibility, consider traveling before or after the strike period.
• Prepare for delays at airports – If flying, check with your airline for possible disruptions.
• Know your passenger rights – Keep refund policies in mind in case your trip is affected.

Final Thoughts

With multiple transport strikes planned over the next six weeks, travelers in Belgium should stay flexible and well-informed. The nationwide railway strike from 21 February to 2 March, coupled with ongoing airport worker strikes and mass protests, means significant disruptions are expected to continue into spring.

Before traveling, make sure to check SNCB’s website, your airline’s updates, and alternative transport options to avoid unexpected travel headaches.

For live updates and further information, visit the SNCB International website or local transport news sources. Safe travels!