Britons have been told to brace for travel disruption as industrial action plunges a popular European destination into chaos.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) previously warned holidaymakers in Belgium that a general strike and a rail union strike on April 29 could cause disruption.
This will likely impact many British holidaymakers heading to the popular spot ahead of the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
Strike action recently threatened Easter travel plans too. Industrial action by Red Handling staff at Gatwick Airport impacted thousands during one of the airport's busiest periods.
For Britons in Spain, strike action in the hospitality sector impacted several Canary Islands destinations.
Britons in Belgium should brace for strike action on April 22 and April 29
GETTY IMAGESWhat the strikes mean for holidaymakers today
The FCDO keeps Britons updated with the latest travel guidance. In a previous advisory, visitors were warned that a general strike planned for April 29 "may cause severe travel disruption across the entire country".
Rail unions, who carried out a strike on April 22, will also do so again today. This could result in "significant disruption" across the network.
Holidaymakers were advised by the FCDO to "monitor local news and check with [their] travel provider regarding potential delays".
Flights
Brussels' two international airports (Brussels Zaventem Airport and Brussels Charleroi Airport) face extreme disruption today.
Brussels Zaventem Airport will not operate any departing flights, and cancellations are also possible on arriving flights. Passengers have been told "not to come to the airport".
Brussels Charleroi Airport shared that all flights scheduled to and from the airport have been cancelled.
Affected passengers will be contacted by their specific airlines directly.
Offering advice to affected flyers, Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, stated: "Firstly, reach out to your airline and seek a replacement flight to your intended destination, which they are obliged to provide you with. This could be with a different airline from or to another airport, or both.
"If you have decided that you want to cancel your trip, you are entitled to a refund equivalent to the value of the price of your ticket.
"It's very likely that today’s events will have a domino effect on flights tomorrow and potentially the day after too, as both airports may not be able to double daily capacity to accommodate postponed flights from today.
"If you’re due to travel later in the week, you may wish to re-book for a few more days ahead when the situation should have resolved itself."
Trains
Railway workers are standing against several reforms proposed by the federal government, including raising the retirement age, increasing worker flexibility, budget cuts at the railway, and reforming HR Rail, the legal employer of railway staff, The Brussels Times reported.
Railway traffic will be disrupted until 10pm today, with reports that just three in five IC trains (between major cities) will operate. Only half of the local L trains and suburban S trains will run, and very few P trains will operate during the morning and evening rush hours.
The FCDO provides dedicated information on strikes and demonstrations on its Belgium 'Safety and Security' page.
Strikes and demonstrations in Belgium
Travellers to Belgium face disruption as demonstrations and strikes continue to affect major cities, particularly in transport hubs and around the Schuman area (EU quarter) in Brussels.
The FCDO warned that demonstrations in the Schuman area can affect access to the British Embassy and the British Consulate General.
While most demonstrations remain peaceful, the officials cautioned that "there is a risk of unrest or violence" during protests.
Farmer demonstrations have been particularly disruptive, causing delays on major roads throughout the country.
Strike action is an "ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country", affecting both locals and tourists.
Strikes may be announced or extended at short notice and often coincide with demonstrations.
Travellers should check local news for regular updates on disruptions and follow guidance from their travel providers.
The FCDO recommended that visitors "remain vigilant and move away quickly if there are signs of disorder".
Useful resources
For information on travel in Belgium
- Belgian Railways (train and metro travel)
- Brussels, Walloon and Flemish (regional public transport)
- HERE map
For international travel
- Brussels Airport Zaventem
- Charleroi Airport
- Antwerp Airport
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Strike action could cause 'significant disruption'
GETTY IMAGESBelgium is a beloved European country, known for its idyllic canals, architecture and music festivals - not to mention its world-famous fries, mussels, beer, chocolate and waffles.
However, before visiting the popular destination, it's important to be aware of the FCDO's latest travel guidance, including how tourists could be impacted by strikes.
Indeed, British holidaymakers have been plagued by industrial action in Belgium over the last few months.
And it looks like strikes are not coming to an end, with experts warning that Britons could face a long-term travel "nightmare" in 2025.
