If you’re planning to fly out of Brussels at the end of March, you might need to adjust your itinerary. Brussels Airport has officially announced that it will suspend all departing flights on Monday, March 31, 2025, due to a planned labor strike. This disruption, triggered by multiple labor unions — including security personnel — is expected to ripple across Europe’s air travel network, affecting thousands of passengers.
Strike Forces Temporary Shutdown of Departures
Brussels Airport published a statement on its website warning travelers of potential chaos as a result of the strike action. While the strike mainly targets departing flights, arrivals may also be affected.
What the Airport Is Advising
In an official notice, Brussels Airport stated: “As departing passenger flights are cancelled, cancellations are also possible on arriving flights. We advise all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline or on our website or the app.”
The strike is anticipated to severely limit staffing at security checkpoints, which makes processing outbound flights impossible for the day.
Airlines Respond With Flexible Options
Airlines serving Brussels have started issuing travel alerts and implementing flexible booking policies to minimize the disruption for travelers. Passengers flying through Brussels on March 30 or 31 are encouraged to explore rebooking options immediately.
Rebooking, Refunds, and Alternate Airports
- Brussels Airlines is not yet canceling flights but is offering free rebooking and refunds to customers traveling on the affected dates.
- United Airlines has waived change fees for travelers flying between March 30 and March 31, 2025. Customers are also allowed to reroute their travel through Amsterdam (AMS) or Paris (CDG) with no difference in fare.
- Other international airlines operating from Brussels — including Delta, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines — are expected to follow with similar passenger advisories.
Alternative Routes and Transport Options
With flights disrupted, travelers may need to explore ground transportation or nearby airports to stay on schedule. Fortunately, Belgium’s central location and strong rail connections make pivoting to alternative travel routes relatively easy.
Nearby Airports
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Germany
- Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland
European Rail Connections
Train travel remains one of the most reliable alternatives for reaching or departing from Brussels. Several major cities — including Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt — are connected via high-speed rail lines:
- Brussels to Amsterdam: approx. 2 hours, nonstop via Thalys or Eurostar
- Brussels to Paris: approx. 1.5 hours, direct train service
- Brussels to Frankfurt: approx. 3 hours
Why the Strike Matters
Brussels Airport is a key European hub, serving over 1.5 million travelers in January 2025 alone — an 8.2 percent rise from the previous year. With multiple transatlantic and intra-European airlines operating through the airport daily, the March 31 disruption is poised to impact not just Belgium but a wide web of global travel connections.
What Travelers Should Do Now
- Check your airline’s official website or app for updated flight statuses.
- If your flight is on or around March 31, consider rebooking now — before demand spikes.
- Evaluate alternative routes via train or neighboring airports.
- Allow extra time for any planned travel on March 30 or April 1, as spillover delays are possible.
For those flying to or from Europe during the last week of March, it’s essential to stay flexible and keep an eye on updates from both the airport and your carrier. With smart planning and a bit of patience, your travel plans can stay on track — even in the face of disruptions.
