Flights at Liège and Brussels airports canceled due to nationwide strikes
Nationwide Strikes Lead to Flight Cancellations at Liège and Brussels Airports
A majority of flights at Liège and Brussels airports were canceled on February 13 due to nationwide strikes in response to government pension reform plans. Air traffic control provider Skeyes was among the affected organizations, leading to the closure of Belgian airspace from 6:45 AM to 10:15 PM, preventing all air traffic over the country during this period.
Liège Airport confirmed minimal flight operations for the day, with 35 flights scheduled before 6:15 AM—prior to the airspace shutdown—and another 15 expected to take off after the restrictions ended in the late evening. Meanwhile, Brussels Airport announced that all arriving flights were canceled during the airspace closure, while departures were suspended for the entire day.
Charleroi Airport also opted to cancel all flights on February 13 to ensure operational safety.
The strikes significantly impacted cargo operations, particularly at Liège Airport, one of Europe’s busiest freight hubs. While disruptions were expected in the short term, a freight forwarder noted that Liège’s 24/7 operations should help clear any backlogs efficiently.
In response to the situation, Maastricht Aachen Airport in the Netherlands prepared to accommodate additional flights. CEO Joost Meijs praised the team’s swift response, ensuring the airport was ready to handle extra passenger and cargo traffic at short notice. Maastricht Aachen Airport has seen strong growth in recent years, reporting a 15.6% year-on-year increase in cargo demand in 2024, reaching 1.2 million tonnes—its second busiest year on record.
Meanwhile, Brussels Airport remains a key cargo hub, handling 732,797 tonnes of freight in 2024, reflecting a 5% year-on-year increase. The airport benefited from overall market growth and welcomed four new cargo carriers: LATAM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Farcargo, and Virgin Atlantic.
