Brussels Strike Grounds About 140 Flights; Brussels Airlines Loses Nearly 40% of Friday Schedule

October 9, 2026 — Update: about 140 flights were cancelled at Brussels Airport on Friday as ground handler Alyzia’s staff joined Belgium’s national strike. Brussels Airlines lost close to 40% of its schedule, as it had warned.

What happened

What changed since our October 7 story: the strike day went ahead as forecast, and a second national strike is set for Monday, October 12. Brussels Airport says Monday’s action is not expected to affect flights.

About half of the flights handled by Alyzia were grounded on Friday, Travel Extra reports. Alyzia works for 21 airlines at Brussels, including Brussels Airlines, Emirates and United. Flights handled by the airport’s other main handler, Aviapartner, operated normally.

Brussels Airlines is not a party to the dispute. It said this was “the third time this year” outside strikes had badly disrupted its schedule, and it expects a significant financial hit.

Item	Detail
Friday, October 9	About 140 arrivals and departures cancelled at Brussels Airport
Brussels Airlines	Nearly 40% of flights cancelled
Alyzia-handled flights	About half grounded
Monday, October 12	Public-sector strike; flights expected to operate, local public transport disrupted
Further airport strike dates	None announced: TBA

What it means for travelers

Saturday and Sunday will be tight out of Brussels. Friday’s cancelled passengers are being rebooked onto weekend flights. If you can, give Brussels Airlines until Monday before traveling.
Monday’s strike is a ground-transport problem, not a flight problem. Trains, trams and buses to the airport may not run. Leave extra time or arrange a lift.
Know who handles your airline. Alyzia customers were hit; Aviapartner customers were not. That matters if another strike is called.