Published on
October 14, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Belgium is now joining Greece, France, Nigeria, and Madagascar in facing significant national strikes that are causing widespread disruptions. These national strikes have led to massive travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, public transport halts, and delays in major cities across these countries.
As unions in Belgium rally against government reforms, much like in Greece, France, and other nations, the impact on daily life is undeniable. Travelers are facing unprecedented challenges, with major airports in Belgium shutting down while Greece, France, and Nigeria also continue to feel the repercussions of their own strikes. Madagascar, too, is grappling with similar unrest.
These national strikes are not only affecting airports and transportation but also services across industries. The ongoing strikes in Belgium, Greece, France, Nigeria, and Madagascar are proving to be a test for governments and citizens alike, as both struggle to navigate the widespread disruptions that are leaving travelers stranded and workers protesting for change.
A Year of National Strikes Across the Globe
In 2025, most of the countries around the world like Belgium, Greece, France, Nigeria, and Madagascar have witnessed significant disruptions due to national strikes. These strikes have caused chaos in airports, public transport systems, and even basic public services. From Belgium’s complete shutdown of airports to massive protests in Greece, this year has been marked by widespread industrial action. Why are workers taking to the streets? What are the reasons behind these strikes? And how do these strikes affect daily life?
This article will break down the major national strikes in Belgium, Greece, France, Nigeria, and Madagascar in 2025 and explore their impact on travel, public services, and local economies. Let’s dive into the details!
Belgium: Flights Grounded, Public Transport Comes to a Halt
On 14 October 2025, Belgium was brought to a standstill as major unions held a nationwide strike against government reforms. Workers were protesting changes to pensions, salaries, and working conditions. As a result, Brussels and Charleroi airports, two of Belgium’s busiest, cancelled all departing flights for the day. Thousands of passengers were stranded, and some incoming flights were also cancelled, making it an incredibly difficult day for anyone trying to travel to or from Belgium.
But the disruption didn’t stop at airports. Public transport in Brussels, including metro, trams, and buses, faced severe delays or were entirely suspended. Commuters struggled to find alternate ways to get around the city, and even taxi services were overwhelmed. The strike showed how deeply connected the transportation sector is to the broader functioning of society, and how a single national strike can create chaos for everyone, whether they are workers or tourists.
Greece: Unions Rebel Against New Labour Laws
In Greece, workers also took to the streets in 2025 to protest against proposed labour law reforms. On 14 October, a general strike was organised by unions, demanding that the government stop pushing for longer working hours and other changes to employment laws. The strike caused severe disruption to travel and daily life, particularly affecting transportation. Ferry services were halted, and public transportation, including trains and buses, came to a complete stop.
In addition, hospitals, schools, and media outlets were affected by the strike, with many services shut down for the day. The protests reached a peak in Athens, where thousands of people gathered to demand that the government listen to their concerns. The strike brought Greece’s capital to a halt and was a clear sign of how passionate workers are about protecting their rights. The government had to rethink its stance on the labor laws, given the intensity of the protests.
Madagascar: Youth-Led Protests Trigger National Strike
Madagascar, too, experienced significant unrest in 2025. Youth-led protests, known as “Gen Z” movements, escalated into calls for a general strike against President Andry Rajoelina’s government. The protests were sparked by a range of issues, including chronic power and water shortages, high unemployment, and widespread corruption. These issues have long plagued the island nation, but 2025 saw protests reach new heights.
Road blockages, sit-ins, and other forms of resistance became common across major cities. The government initially tried to address these concerns by dissolving the cabinet and appointing new officials, but it wasn’t enough. The demands for change were loud and clear: the President’s administration was not doing enough to tackle the country’s fundamental issues. The national strike disrupted businesses, government services, and even local markets, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty.
Nigeria: A Strike That Shuts Down Power and Airports
In Nigeria, labor unions declared an indefinite strike in June 2024, and its impact spilled into 2025. The strike was triggered by the expiration of a 2019 minimum wage agreement. The Nigerian government had failed to reach a new agreement with unions, and workers were furious. The strike caused widespread disruptions across the country, including power outages, airport shutdowns, and the closure of businesses.
The national power grid was shut down, plunging much of the country into darkness. Airports, including Lagos and Abuja, saw flights grounded as airport staff joined the strike. This left thousands of passengers stranded. In addition, banks, hospitals, and other public services were heavily impacted. Nigeria’s economy took a major hit due to the strike, as businesses and foreign investors struggled with the uncertainty caused by the ongoing industrial action.
South Africa: The EFF Calls for a National Shutdown
South Africa has not been immune to national strikes in 2025 either. On 20 March 2023, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a political party, called for a national shutdown in protest against the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The energy situation in South Africa had become so dire that daily power outages, also known as “load shedding,” had become a routine part of life. Citizens, businesses, and even schools were affected by rolling blackouts, which made life increasingly difficult.
The shutdown on 20 March was a major event, with protests and road blockages causing significant disruptions to transportation. Public services were also severely impacted. While the shutdown didn’t have as wide an effect as expected, it still showed the power of protests and how a national strike can escalate into a major crisis. President Cyril Ramaphosa faced immense pressure to address the power crisis, but the strike illustrated the frustration felt by citizens who were tired of the government’s lack of action.
France: Pension Reforms Spark Widespread Unrest
In France, 2025 saw one of the largest strikes in recent years. Unions and workers took to the streets in response to proposed pension reforms that aimed to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. These reforms were met with strong opposition, as many French workers felt the changes would hurt their future financial security.
The strike, which took place in September, led to widespread disruptions across the country. Public transportation, including the Paris metro and train services, was heavily affected. Many flights were also cancelled as workers in the aviation sector joined the strike. In addition to the protests, the French economy also faced a slowdown as businesses closed and services were halted. The government, under pressure from the unions and the public, had to reconsider its pension reform plans. This strike in France showed just how far workers are willing to go to protect their benefits and fight for fair treatment.
Italy: National Strike in Solidarity with Gaza
On 3 October 2025, Italy saw a massive one-day general strike in support of Gaza, as protests erupted across the country. More than 2 million people participated, making it one of the largest strikes in Italy’s history. The strike was in protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and workers across various sectors showed solidarity with the Palestinian people. The strike included disruptions in public services, transportation, and education.
Ferry services were suspended, and airports faced delays and cancellations as airline workers joined the strike. In Rome, around 300,000 demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the ongoing conflict. The strike brought Italy to a halt, sending a powerful message to the government and international community. It demonstrated how national strikes can transcend local political issues and become part of a broader global movement for human rights.
A Global Wave of Strikes in 2025
The year 2025 has been one of disruption, with national strikes rocking countries across the globe. From Belgium to Madagascar, Greece to South Africa, workers have risen to challenge government policies that they believe are unfair. These strikes have caused chaos in public transport systems, airports, and businesses, impacting millions of people around the world.
What’s clear from these events is that the power of the people is still a force to be reckoned with. Workers are demanding better wages, working conditions, and pensions. Governments are being forced to listen to the voices of their citizens. While strikes may cause temporary disruption, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment and workers’ rights.
As we move through 2025 and beyond, the impact of these strikes will continue to reverberate. It remains to be seen whether these strikes will lead to lasting changes in policy, but one thing is certain: national strikes are powerful, and they will continue to shape the political landscape for years to come.
National Strike Causes Widespread Travel Disruptions in Belgium
On 14 October, Belgium’s airports came to a halt as unions launched a nationwide strike, protesting proposed changes to pensions, salaries, and working conditions. Brussels Airport, the country’s primary hub, confirmed it would cancel all departing flights, following discussions with airlines. Some incoming flights are also expected to be cancelled, causing severe disruptions for thousands of passengers.
The strike, which has triggered widespread industrial action, left travellers stranded and frustrated. The airports and airlines involved warned passengers to anticipate cancellations and delays. Despite efforts to reschedule flights, the situation remained chaotic, with few options for rebooking available due to the overwhelming demand for alternatives.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport Faces Total Shutdown
At Brussels South Charleroi Airport, the situation was even worse. The airport announced it would be unable to operate any scheduled departures or arrivals on 14 October. Passengers were urged to contact their airlines for updates, rebooking, or refunds. With no flights operating, travellers faced an uncertain future with little to no recourse for urgent travel. Charleroi, often a hub for budget carriers, was hit especially hard as low-cost flights were cancelled in large numbers.
Given the nature of the strike, many people found themselves scrambling for alternative transport, including buses, trains, and even private cars. However, with public transport in Brussels severely disrupted, this quickly became another hurdle for those already stressed by the airport cancellations.
Brussels Airlines Forced to Cancel All Departures
Brussels Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, followed suit, announcing the cancellation of all departing flights for the day. Additionally, the airline also suspended a significant number of incoming flights, further complicating the travel situation. The airline has advised customers to stay in touch via its website or mobile app to receive updates on cancellations and rescheduling options.
With the strike expected to last throughout the day, Brussels Airlines also stressed that it would provide rebooking opportunities for affected passengers. However, limited seat availability and high demand meant that finding a suitable alternative flight was often difficult or impossible. The airline’s staff worked tirelessly to help those affected, but with operations grinding to a halt, solutions were few and far between.
Disruptions in Public Transport and Train Services
In addition to the airport shutdowns, public transport in Brussels, including metro, bus, and tram services, was set to be heavily disrupted. The Brussels public transport company (STIB/MIVB) warned passengers to prepare for delays and cancellations across all routes. With fewer available vehicles on the roads and trains, passengers were left with limited transport options, further exacerbating the strike’s impact on daily commuters.
Rail services, particularly those operated by Belgian rail company SNCB, also faced significant disruption. While SNCB had not received a formal strike notice, the company indicated that major disruptions were still likely due to the high volume of passengers expected. Travellers were urged to check live updates on train schedules before setting out on their journey. However, many trains that operated were overcrowded, making the experience even more challenging.
Eurostar Remains Unaffected by Strike
While the strike caused widespread chaos within Belgium’s borders, Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking Belgium to the UK and France, confirmed that its trains would operate as scheduled. Eurostar services, including those running from Brussels to London, continued to run normally despite the national industrial action. However, the company also reminded passengers to stay updated through its live train information page, particularly in case of further delays.
Travellers with connecting journeys in Belgium were strongly advised to allow extra time for their transfers. Despite Eurostar’s operational status, public transport disruptions were likely to cause knock-on effects for passengers making their way to train stations.
Impact on Travel Plans and What Passengers Need to Know
With so many travel routes affected, passengers planning to travel through Belgium on 14 October faced a series of disruptions and cancellations. Those booked on flights or trains were advised to check with their carriers for the latest updates on their travel plans. With limited availability of alternative transport and accommodation, the strike left many individuals scrambling to reorganise their travel at the last minute.
Travel agents and tour operators also faced challenges as they worked to assist stranded passengers. In some cases, it became clear that the disruptions could stretch on for several days, depending on the resolution of the ongoing strike. With the strike scheduled for just one day, there was hope that the worst would soon pass, but immediate concerns were focused on managing the chaos in the short term.
The Broader Context of the Strike and Its Causes
The strike, organised by several powerful unions in Belgium, was sparked by government proposals aimed at changing pension systems, salaries, and working conditions for public sector workers. The unions representing employees in transportation, aviation, and other sectors voiced strong opposition to these reforms, arguing that they would significantly worsen the financial stability and job security of workers in these industries.
Though the strike action has caused substantial disruption, the unions have made it clear that they are willing to engage in negotiations with the government to reach a more agreeable outcome. However, the scale of the industrial action reflects the seriousness of the workers’ grievances, and the government faces significant pressure to resolve the dispute quickly.
What Passengers Can Expect Moving Forward
Passengers planning to travel in and out of Belgium in the coming days should stay informed about the evolving situation. While the strike action is currently planned for 14 October, the lingering effects could continue to disrupt services for days or even weeks. Airlines, train operators, and public transport services will likely provide regular updates on their operations, but passengers are advised to have backup plans in case of further complications.
For those unable to secure immediate rebooking, it may be worth considering alternative transportation methods or delaying travel until the situation normalises. The government and transportation agencies are working towards resolving the strike, but it remains to be seen how long it will take for full services to resume.
Navigating Belgium’s Strike Disruptions
The national strike on 14 October has left Belgium’s airports and public transport systems in disarray, affecting thousands of travellers. With both Brussels and Charleroi airports cancelling all flights, passengers face major challenges in rearranging their travel plans. As the strike continues to unfold, it is essential for travellers to remain flexible, keep updated on any changes, and plan for extra time and potential delays. While the immediate impact is severe, the government and transport operators are working towards a resolution, but it is uncertain how quickly normal service will return.
