‘Blackout’ on flights in Europe next Monday | Flight cancellations in Greece as well

Travellers across Europe are bracing for more and more travel as the national strike in Belgium, called for next Monday 31 March, is set to close both Brussels and Charleroi airports, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, including to Greece, and disrupting the operations of major international carriers.

The airlines affected include Delta, British Airways, Emirates, United, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and many other airlines, both traditional and low cost airlines.

Brussels airport, one of Europe’s main hubs, confirmed that all 244 scheduled departure flights for Monday will be cancelled. The decision, the airport said, was taken in coordination with the airlines due to the expected shortage of a large number of workers, which is vital for its safe operation.

In an official statement, Brussels Airport said: ‘Due to the national strike on 31 March and the announced strike of a large number of security and pilot staff, we expect significant disruption… We have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to make any passenger flight departures on 31 March.’

The airport also warned that arrivals may be affected, depending on the level of operational disruption. Travellers are advised to check the status of flights through their airline or the airport’s official channels and to avoid arriving at the airport unless notified.

Meanwhile, Charleroi airport, an important base for Ryanair and other budget airlines, will cancel all flights to and from it next Monday.

In its statement, the airport cited the inability to maintain safe operations due to a lack of ground and support staff during the strike.

‘Due to the national strike and the lack of staff present to ensure safe operations,’ the airport said, ‘all flights scheduled to and from Charleroi airport for that day will be cancelled.’

The cancellations are set to kick off a new concern amid growing traffic for spring break.

The disruption is also expected to have a knock-on effect across Europe, with airline schedules being thrown into complete chaos.

Passengers in Greece are also expected to be affected, with, for example, the cancellation of Aegean A3 3000, Brussels Airlines SN 6523 and SKY express GQ 801 from Brussels airport to Athens.

Full list of flights cancelled at Brussels airport