Travellers to and from Belgium are facing significant disruption to their journeys this week, as two major strikes impact rail services and flights.
Rail workers’ unions began a three-day strike over pension reforms on Sunday (8 March) evening, which is due to last until the end of services on Wednesday (11 March). Meanwhile, a nationwide strike by unions on Thursday (12 March) is expected to cause major disruption to flights.
Most long-distance rail services in Belgium are expected to operate during the three-day stoppage but there will be a higher level of cancellations on local and commuter routes.
Belgian train operator SNCB said it was operating a “limited number” of trains during the strike, with an alternative schedule based on staff availability.
Meanwhile, Eurostar said it was running fewer services between Brussels and Paris on Monday, but expected to run a “near-normal timetable” between London and Brussels. The operator warned passengers that domestic train services in Belgium would “likely be disrupted”.
The general strike on Thursday will include the walkout of staff from security and ground handling providers at Brussels Airport, leading to “major disruptions” at the airport. Workers are again striking in protest at the government’s labour and pension reforms.
“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing flights on 12 March,” added the airport in a statement.
“In the upcoming days, the airlines will contact passengers directly to inform them of their options. As departing passenger flights are cancelled, cancellations of some arriving flights are possible.”