Published on
September 16, 2025
US and Belgium travel has been grievously affected after two major flights of Brussels Airlines were cancelled, affecting the most important travel routes between Brussels and John F. Kennedy International Airport. The disruptions, due to uncertain weather conditions, have stranded numerous passengers and caused delays, as important transatlantic connections between the two airports were impacted. Passengers are asked to remain informed of rebooking options and additional weather-related disruptions that continue to affect travel plans.
Brussels Airlines has been severely impacted by poor weather conditions, resulting in multiple flight cancellations and widespread delays. A total of two major flights were canceled, including Flight BEL501, which was scheduled to depart from Brussels (BRU) at 10:45 AM CEST to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, and Flight BEL502, the return flight from JFK to Brussels, originally scheduled for 06:20 PM EDT. These cancellations disrupted key travel routes between Brussels and New York, which are among the busiest and most vital for transatlantic travelers. In addition to the cancellations, 27 flights across Brussels Airlines’ network experienced delays, impacting around 12% of scheduled departures and arrivals. Passengers traveling on these affected routes now face significant disruptions, with longer wait times at airports and uncertain rebooking options. The widespread delays and cancellations have caused major ripple effects for travelers, particularly for those relying on these critical Brussels-JFK routes.
Travelers between the US and Belgium have been significantly impacted by severe weather conditions, resulting in the cancellation of two major flights by Brussels Airlines. The weather disruptions have caused widespread delays and cancellations, notably affecting key travel routes between Brussels and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. This disruption is likely to have ripple effects on both countries’ travel plans as passengers seek alternative flights and experience longer travel times.
The Cancellations and Delays
Brussels Airlines, a prominent carrier serving both European and international destinations, announced that it had to cancel two key flights scheduled to operate between Brussels Airport (BRU) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The affected flights were as follows:
Flight BEL501: This flight was scheduled to depart from Brussels at 10:45 AM CEST, heading towards JFK in New York. Due to inclement weather conditions, it was canceled, leaving passengers stranded at the airport and scrambling for alternative routes.
Flight BEL502: The return flight from JFK to Brussels, originally scheduled for 06:20 PM EDT, was also canceled. This caused significant disruption for passengers heading back to Europe, leaving them uncertain about when they would be able to board the next available flight.
The flight cancellations are part of a broader pattern of weather-induced disruptions across multiple airlines, but the cancellations of these two key Brussels Airlines flights have particularly affected the transatlantic travel corridor.
Impact on Key Travel Routes
The Brussels-JFK route is one of the most crucial for travelers between the US and Belgium. As one of the busiest airports in Europe, Brussels Airport serves as a key hub for both business and leisure travelers flying to the US. Likewise, John F. Kennedy International Airport is a primary gateway for North American flights to Europe, particularly for those based in the Northeastern United States.
The cancellations of flights on this route highlight the vulnerability of key travel corridors, especially when severe weather conditions disrupt operations. With poor weather expected to persist in the coming hours, travelers flying on this route face uncertainty regarding their departure times, forcing many to reconsider their travel plans or explore alternate connections.
Delayed Flights and Wider Disruptions
In addition to the two cancellations, Brussels Airlines has experienced significant delays across several of its flights. The airline reported that 27 flights were delayed, with an estimated 12% of its scheduled departures and arrivals affected by the ongoing adverse weather conditions. These delays further exacerbate the frustrations felt by passengers already affected by the cancellations, leaving many travelers with longer wait times in airports and potentially rescheduled connections.
The ripple effects of these disruptions are not limited to the flights already affected. Other routes and connections within the network of Brussels Airlines may also be impacted due to the inability to maintain normal flight schedules. As airports work to clear backlogs, the travel experience will be far from smooth for many passengers in the coming days.
Poor Weather Conditions at the Heart of the Problem
The ongoing disruptions are being attributed to poor weather conditions that have hit both Belgium and the northeastern United States. These conditions have caused severe weather fronts to linger over major air traffic hubs, including Brussels and New York City. The unpredictable nature of weather systems is a major challenge for airlines, particularly during the peak summer and early fall travel periods, when demand for air travel is higher than usual.
The weather-related issues, coupled with high demand for flights during these busy travel times, have left travelers with fewer options. Many passengers have turned to Brussels Airlines’ customer service channels, hoping for updates and alternative arrangements. However, the airline has acknowledged that the situation is fluid, with the full scope of disruptions still being evaluated as the weather conditions develop.
Travel between the US and Belgium has been significantly disrupted as Brussels Airlines cancels two flights due to uncertain weather, affecting key routes between Brussels and John F. Kennedy International Airport. These cancellations have caused major delays, leaving passengers with limited options and forcing adjustments to travel plans.
Looking Ahead
With two key flights between Brussels and John F. Kennedy already canceled and several delays reported, Brussels Airlines is likely to face continued challenges in the coming days. Travelers affected by the cancellations and delays are encouraged to monitor the airline’s website and social media channels for real-time updates. Passengers are also advised to check with other carriers for possible alternative routes or connections, especially if they are unable to secure a rebooking on their original flight.
For those whose flights are impacted, Brussels Airlines has provided guidance on how to rebook, refund, or get additional support. The airline is working closely with airport authorities to mitigate further disruptions and help travelers reach their destinations as smoothly as possible, despite the adverse weather.
While these weather-related disruptions have caused major inconveniences for both passengers and the airline, it is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. As travelers await news of improved weather conditions, Brussels Airlines and other airlines will continue to monitor the situation and adjust their operations as needed.
Flight NumberAircraft TypeOriginDestinationScheduled Departure TimeBEL501A333Brussels (BRU / EBBR)John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK)Tue 10:45 AM CESTBEL502A333John F Kennedy Intl (KJFK)Brussels (BRU / EBBR)Tue 06:20 PM EDT
