Brussels Airport cancels 140 flights due to a strike
TOP MAGAZINE · Air Freight
On Friday 9 October, around 140 flights at Brussels Airport will be cancelled as ground handling operator Alyzia joins a national strike. This will have a major operational impact, particularly on air freight and passenger flights operated by around 20 airlines.
National strike hits Brussels Airport
On Friday 9 October, Brussels Airport will face significant disruption as a result of a national trade union demonstration. Ground staff at ground handling operator Alyzia are downing tools in protest against government policy, with issues including wage indexation and working hours on the agenda. As a result, the airport expects around 140 flights to be cancelled, as announced by the airport on 6 October.
The strike will primarily affect airlines that use Alyzia for their ground handling, including Brussels Airlines, Air China, Air Senegal and Air Arabia Maroc. Airlines that use the second ground handling operator, Aviapartner – including British Airways, Ryanair and TUI fly – are likely to be unaffected.
Impact on the air freight chain
As well as passenger flights, the handling of belly cargo on affected routes and any integrator flights will also be impacted. Brussels Airlines is cancelling around 40 per cent of its flights for that day. As soon as Alyzia’s ground crews go on strike, aircraft cannot be unloaded or loaded on time, which has a direct impact on the availability and flow of goods.
Handlers are indispensable for loading, unloading and transporting cargo between the aircraft and the terminal. This leads to delays in turnaround times and potential bottlenecks in cross-dock processes and direct freight connections with the European hinterland.
Rights and alternatives in the event of cancellations
European passenger and freight transport rights (EU261/2004) apply to affected parties. In the event of cancellation, the airline is obliged to offer alternatives or a refund. Cash compensation is possible but subject to proof of force majeure, such as third-party strikes.
The advice is that, for scheduled freight shipments or transport operations on 9 October, you should check in advance with the ground handling agent or airline to confirm whether services will go ahead. Alternatives are limited; however, flexible rebooking is usually possible if the flight is cancelled.
What does this mean for your consignment?
TOP’s assessment based on the above developments.
Planning
Anyone planning air freight via Brussels Airport on 9 October would be well advised to allow extra time and to check for status updates, particularly for shipments via Alyzia-operated airlines.
Costs
Shippers should expect potential additional costs due to delayed cargo, (re)bookings or diversions to other airports, depending on alternative capacity.
Point to note
Check in advance with your airline to find out which ground handler they use to avoid any surprises in the event of cancellations, and bear in mind potential disruption to public transport around the airport.
Sources
AOL.com — Chaos at Brussels Airport as 140 flights set to be cancelled – UK routes affected
AeroCorner — Brussels Airport Strike 9 October: Flights Cut | AeroCorner
Image: TOP archive, for illustrative purposes.