Europe Braces for Chaos: Major Strikes in Belgium and Italy Set to Disrupt Air and Rail Travel for Millions

Published on November 24, 2025

Travelers across Europe are being warned to expect significant disruptions in Belgium and Italy due to nationwide strikes planned for November 26 and November 28, 2025, respectively. These labor strikes are set to severely affect key transportation hubs, including airports and rail networks, just as the busy winter travel season begins. Millions of travelers could face delays, cancellations, and other logistical challenges as unions push for changes in response to growing labor tensions and political dissatisfaction in both countries.

The strikes come amid broader political unrest, with both Belgium and Italy grappling with austerity measures and demands for better working conditions. As the holiday season approaches, the timing could not be worse, and travelers are advised to plan accordingly and remain updated on the latest developments.

Belgium’s November 26 Shutdown: Major Impact on Air and Rail Travel

On November 26, 2025, Belgium will become the first country to experience a widespread disruption as unions across the nation stage a national strike. This strike, organized in response to ongoing dissatisfaction with federal budget cuts and pension reforms, is set to halt much of the country’s daily operations, particularly in the transportation sector.

Brussels Airport, one of Europe’s busiest airports, has already announced that all departing flights on November 26 will be canceled. This will result in thousands of affected passengers as a shortage of ground handling and security staff severely disrupts normal operations. Similarly, Brussels South-Charleroi Airport expects a complete shutdown, meaning no arrivals or departures will be possible throughout the day. With Belgium being a key transit point for travelers throughout Europe, the consequences will be felt beyond the borders, affecting flights arriving and departing from various international destinations.

In addition to air travel, rail services are also expected to be severely impacted. A 72-hour rail strike earlier in the week had already begun to slow down train services nationwide, and with the nationwide strike on the 26th, mobility across the country will grind to a halt. Urban transit systems in major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent will operate on limited schedules or may shut down entirely, further exacerbating the situation.

Unions in Belgium argue that the government’s austerity measures are eroding the social protections that workers rely on, especially in these economically challenging times. The goal of the strike is to pressure the government into revisiting its pension cuts, addressing wage stagnation, and reevaluating key components of the federal spending plan. While these labor disputes are not uncommon, the timing of the strikes during the busy winter travel period adds a layer of complexity for the millions who rely on Belgium’s transport network.

Italy’s November 28 Transport Walkout: A Full-Day Shutdown

Just two days after Belgium’s strike, Italy will also be facing a nationwide transport shutdown on November 28, 2025. Like Belgium, Italy’s unions are organizing a 24-hour strike across the country in response to budget measures proposed for 2026. Unions in Italy are calling for wage increases that reflect the cost of living and demanding earlier retirement options for workers, as well as better conditions for those in the transportation sector.

The strike will commence on the evening of November 27, starting at 9 p.m. for many sectors, including rail workers. High-speed operators such as Trenitalia and Italo will be directly impacted, with only a limited number of legally protected guaranteed trains running during the morning and evening peak hours. Regional train services across Italy will also be disrupted, affecting travel to and from cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples.

Meanwhile, airports in Italy will face significant operational challenges, with ground handlers and airport staff joining the strike. Major hubs such as Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo airports are expected to see widespread flight cancellations and delays, which will have a ripple effect on international air travel. With Italy being a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers, this 24-hour strike could lead to major disruptions not only for domestic travelers but also for those arriving from other parts of Europe and beyond.

Additionally, highway toll-booth employees and roadside assistance workers will participate in the strike, which could cause traffic congestion and bottlenecks on Italy’s major motorways. This could lead to long delays for drivers trying to reach popular destinations or airports, further complicating travel plans across the country.

The Political Context: Unions Demand Action

The strikes in both Belgium and Italy are rooted in broader political unrest over government austerity measures. In Belgium, unions have been vocal in their opposition to federal budget cuts that they argue undermine social welfare programs and worker protections. Similarly, Italian unions are using the transport strike as a platform to demand better working conditions, wages that keep up with inflation, and more favorable retirement terms for workers in the transportation sector.

In both countries, the strikes reflect a wider discontent with government policies, especially regarding labor rights and economic inequality. By coordinating these large-scale strikes, unions in Belgium and Italy aim to force governments to reconsider their current approaches and come to the negotiating table. For many, these actions are seen as necessary measures to address long-standing grievances that have been ignored by policymakers.

Impact on Travelers: Preparing for Disruptions

For travelers planning to visit Belgium and Italy during the last week of November, the upcoming strikes are likely to cause significant disruption. Flights and train services will be severely impacted, and those planning to travel by road should prepare for possible delays on Italy’s highways. Travelers are advised to check the status of their transportation services ahead of time and allow extra time for travel.

In addition to operational disruptions, passengers may also experience difficulty accessing airports or train stations, especially in cities with limited transportation options during the strike period. It’s important for travelers to be flexible and stay informed about the situation, as these strikes could affect travel plans in ways that are difficult to predict.

Conclusion: A Challenging Week Ahead

As Belgium and Italy prepare for nationwide strikes on November 26 and 28, millions of travelers across Europe are bracing for disruption. The impact of these strikes will be felt not only in the countries involved but also across the wider European transport network, with air and rail travel facing significant challenges during a peak travel period. With political and labor tensions running high, these strikes are a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by workers in many sectors and the broader challenges posed by austerity measures.

Travelers are urged to stay updated on developments and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations. While these strikes are a reflection of deep-rooted political issues, they also serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in Europe’s transportation systems, especially during the busy holiday season.