Thousands of Passengers Grounded in Belgium as Strike Paralyzes 60 Flights and Delays 174, Impacting Travel to Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Greece, and Top European Destinations Including Madrid, Geneva, Stockholm, Athens, Helsinki And More

Published on November 27, 2025

Thousands of passengers were grounded in Belgium as a strike paralyzed 60 flights and delayed 174, primarily due to widespread protests against government reforms that unions argue would erode workers’ rights and social welfare. The disruption, which took place from November 24th to November 26th, severely impacted travel to major European destinations such as Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Greece, and top cities including Madrid, Geneva, Stockholm, Athens, and Helsinki. The chaos at Brussels Airport left travelers scrambling for alternatives as flight cancellations and delays wreaked havoc on their travel plans.

Belgium has witnessed widespread travel disruptions as thousands of passengers found themselves grounded during a three-day strike that wreaked havoc across Brussels Airport and other key transport hubs. From November 24th to November 26th, workers in the public and aviation sectors joined in protest against proposed government reforms that could negatively impact labor rights and social welfare. With many of Europe’s top destinations, including Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Greece, seeing major disruptions, the strike left travelers stranded, flights delayed, and departures canceled.

The Strike’s Impact on Belgium and European Travel

The strike in Belgium was fueled by dissatisfaction with government policies that unions argue threaten the country’s strong social model. The action led to a significant impact on the aviation industry, with multiple flights to and from Brussels Airport, Belgium’s busiest international gateway, either delayed or canceled. The strike affected travelers bound for key European cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, Geneva, and more, exacerbating the chaos for thousands of passengers already grappling with flight uncertainties.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: Cancellations, Delays, and Disruptions

The three-day strike unfolded with escalating disruptions at Brussels Airport, resulting in numerous cancellations and delays. Below is a detailed look at the extent of the disruptions each day.

Day 1 – November 24, 2025: The Beginning of the Disruption

On the first day of the strike, Brussels Airport saw a total of 93 delays and 8 cancellations. The flight cancellations included key international routes to major hubs such as Charles de Gaulle (Paris), Geneva Cointrin (Switzerland), and London Heathrow. Passengers flying to and from Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Greece were hit hardest.

The early impact on travelers was evident, with passengers stranded at the airport as airlines scrambled to rebook affected flights and provide alternatives. Many travelers were left waiting for hours in long queues as they sought solutions to their disrupted travel plans.

Day 2 – November 25, 2025: Worsening Disruptions

On the second day of the strike, the situation escalated further with 50 delays and 14 cancellations. The cancellations mainly impacted flights to top destinations like London Heathrow, Copenhagen, Madrid, and Barcelona. With many travelers already facing long delays from Day 1, the strike’s continuation caused significant frustration.

With more travelers caught in the chaos, the demand for alternative transport options surged, and Belgium’s public transport system also experienced disruptions. As trains, buses, and metro services ground to a halt, even those not directly involved in air travel found themselves impacted by the industrial action.

Day 3 – November 26, 2025: Peak of the Disruptions

On the final day of the strike, the situation reached its peak, with 38 cancellations and 31 delays. The cancellations included several long-haul flights to the United States and other European capitals, creating a ripple effect across air travel. Brussels Airport, already facing challenges in terms of passenger traffic, was in complete turmoil.

With the final wave of cancellations, travelers heading to destinations like New York, Barcelona, and Madrid were left scrambling for alternatives. The strike’s impact spread far beyond Belgium’s borders, with affected passengers attempting to navigate a growing network of delays and rebookings.

Striking Workers and Their Demands

Belgium’s strike was called by several major unions, including the ABVV, ACV, and ACLVB, who have long fought for workers’ rights and the preservation of Belgium’s robust social model. The unions are protesting a series of government reforms that they argue will undermine worker protections, particularly in the areas of pension schemes, unemployment benefits, and labor laws.

The strike is part of a broader movement against austerity policies that threaten the quality of life for Belgian workers. Unions have demanded that the government reconsider these reforms and ensure that workers are not disproportionately burdened by cost-cutting measures.

Travel Chaos and Recovery

As the strike wore on, travelers were left with limited options. Airlines scrambled to rebook flights, while Brussels Airport worked to provide updates and alternative solutions to affected passengers. However, the ongoing nature of the strike made it difficult for many to find new routes or secure alternative transport.

Belgium’s railway and bus systems also felt the impact of the strike. Long queues at train stations and bus depots reflected the magnitude of the disruption, as both local commuters and international travelers were caught in the web of strikes.

Impact on European Travel: Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Greece, and Beyond

Travelers heading to popular European destinations were significantly impacted by the strike. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, London, Paris, and Copenhagen saw massive disruptions, with many flights from Brussels to these destinations either canceled or delayed. The ripple effect of these disruptions was felt across the European continent, as other connecting flights from Brussels were delayed or missed due to the ongoing strike.

Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Greece were among the hardest-hit destinations, with long delays and cancellations to cities like Geneva, Stockholm, Athens, and Barcelona.

Lessons Learned and What Travelers Should Know

The events in Belgium serve as a reminder of the power of organized labor, as well as the far-reaching consequences that labor strikes can have on international travel. For travelers planning to visit Belgium or other European countries in the coming weeks, it is crucial to stay informed about the status of flights and transportation.

Passengers are advised to:

• Check flight statuses regularly: Be sure to keep updated on any changes to your flight status.
• Arrive early at the airport: Allow for extra time in case of delays or cancellations.
• Look for alternative routes: If your flight is canceled, airlines will often offer rebookings on the next available flight.
• Stay informed on local transport: Keep track of any public transport disruptions, including trains, buses, and metro services.

The three-day strike in Belgium has left thousands of passengers grounded, with significant delays and cancellations impacting travel across Europe. The impact was felt in major European hubs like Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Greece, and will continue to reverberate for some time. Travelers were forced to contend with rebookings, long queues, and the challenge of navigating a chaotic transportation landscape.

Thousands of passengers were grounded in Belgium as a strike paralyzed 60 flights and delayed 174, caused by protests against government reforms that unions say threaten workers’ rights and social welfare. This disruption impacted travel to major European destinations including Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Greece, and cities like Madrid, Geneva, Stockholm, Athens, and Helsinki.

As the strike ends, passengers should remain vigilant about potential residual disruptions and should keep in close contact with airlines and other travel providers for updates on their schedules. In the coming days, Brussels Airport and other transport hubs will likely see a surge in passenger traffic as the backlog of delayed and canceled flights is addressed.