Halts all departures on March 31 due to security strike
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Travelers departing from Brussels Airport (BRU) on March 31, 2025, will face major disruptions as all departing flights have been canceled due to a planned strike by security personnel.
The decision to cancel departures follows according to Bloomberg a dispute between the airport’s security staff and management over wages, working conditions, and staffing levels.
Security staff strike to paralyze departures
Brussels Airport confirmed that the strike will affect all outgoing flights, with no departures expected throughout the day. However, incoming flights will continue to operate, allowing passengers arriving at the airport to proceed without interruption.
The security personnel involved in the strike are protesting against increasing workloads, insufficient staffing, and inadequate compensation. Negotiations between union representatives and the airport’s management have so far failed to produce an agreement, leading to this unprecedented action.
«The situation has become unsustainable, with staff working under extreme pressure. We have no choice but to escalate the situation to draw attention to these issues,» said a spokesperson for the union representing the striking workers.
Impact on passengers and airlines
The strike is expected to affect tens of thousands of passengers, as Brussels Airport is one of Europe’s busiest hubs, handling over 25 million passengers annually. Major airlines such as Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and TUI have been forced to rebook passengers, offer refunds, or redirect them to alternative airports.
Travelers have been advised to check with their airlines for updates and consider alternative routes to minimize disruptions. Airlines are offering rebooking options, and some have suggested departing from nearby airports, including Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
Security concerns and airport response
Brussels Airport has cited security concerns as the primary reason for canceling all departures, stating that operating without a full complement of security staff would jeopardize passenger safety. In a statement, the airport’s management said:
«Passenger safety is our top priority. Given the scale of the planned strike and the limited number of available personnel, we cannot guarantee a safe and secure environment for departures on March 31. Therefore, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel all departing flights.»
Possible ripple effects across European airports
The strike at Brussels Airport may cause a ripple effect across European air travel, particularly at connecting hubs, where delays and overbookings could lead to further congestion. Many passengers with connecting flights through Brussels may need to adjust their travel plans or face extended layovers.
Compensation and passenger rights
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers affected by the cancellations may be entitled to compensation or alternative travel arrangements. However, compensation may not be granted if the strike is classified as an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control. Passengers should contact their airlines to explore rebooking or refund options.
Possible resolution and future outlook
Union leaders and Brussels Airport management are expected to continue negotiations in the coming days to prevent further disruptions. However, if an agreement is not reached, future strikes could lead to more cancellations and operational challenges in the coming months.
As March 31 approaches, passengers with scheduled departures are encouraged to stay informed and plan alternative travel options if necessary. With the possibility of further industrial action, travelers should remain prepared for potential changes in the coming weeks.
