Several flights will be cancelled at Brussels airport as ground handler staff join a nationwide strike in Belgium.
Some 100 flights have been cancelled on Friday, 9 October as a result of the strike, Brussels airport confirmed to The Independent.
Part of the staff from ground handler Alyzia are expected to take part in the national strike.
The airport expects only half of the flights handled by Alyzia to operate as planned, with the rest cancelled.
Brussels Airlines, Emirates and United Airlines are among the airlines that could be affected by the strike as they use Alyzia’s services.
Flights handled by Aviapartner will not be affected. This includes major airlines serving UK destinations such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Tui, and Wizz Air.
Some 400 flights will still operate on Friday, the airport said.
Brussels airport has released a list of airlines that operate at its base, along with its handler and contact details, so passengers can check whether their flight may be affected.
The flight overview on this list will show cancellations only after the airline registers them, the airport said.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by this union action,” Brussels airport added.
Further trade union action is taking place on Monday, 12 October, but the airport expects no impact on flights.
However, public transport disruptions are expected. Passengers are advised to check the websites of De Lijn, MIVB/STIB and NMBS/SNCB in advance and plan their journey to and from the airport accordingly.
The UK’s Foreign Office has warned that the strike will affect public transport and other public services in Brussels.
It adds that a demonstration will take place in central Brussels on Friday, 9 October.
“Monitor local news and check with your provider regarding potential delays and closures,” the advice states. “Always check with your travel operator for the latest updates.”
It’s general advice for demonstrations adds: “If you are in areas where large gatherings are taking place, remain vigilant and move away quickly if there are signs of disorder.
“Avoid protests, expect delays on some major roads and follow the advice of the authorities.”
This industrial action is the latest in a string of nationwide strikes in Belgium this year, with others taking place on 12 March and 12 May.
Brussels South Charleroi airport also experienced flight cancellations last month as its air traffic controllers went on strike.