Brussels Airport cancels all departures October 14

Published on Oct 3, 2025, 8:24 am CDT

5 min read

Brussels Airport will halt all departing passenger flights on Tuesday, October 14, due to nationwide industrial action that includes its security contractor. The airport says arrivals may also be curtailed, but a limited number could still land depending on airline decisions and staffing on the day. Carriers serving Brussels are publishing waivers and rebooking guidance, while travelers can consider rerouting via Amsterdam or Paris, bearing in mind France's air traffic control strike the week prior.

Key Points

Why it matters: No departures from Brussels Airport (BRU) on October 14; some arrivals may still operate.
Travel impact: Widespread cancellations and rebookings; public transport in Belgium likely disrupted.
What's next: Airlines will contact affected passengers with options; consider rerouting via AMS or CDG/ORY.
Waivers already posted by Lufthansa Group; TUI fly Belgium flagging changes.
France ATC strike on October 7-10 may complicate connections and overflights.

Snapshot

Brussels Airport confirmed it will run zero departing passenger flights on October 14 because security screening staff are joining a national strike. The airport advises that a portion of arrivals may still take place, but carriers can cancel inbound legs to avoid aircraft and crew becoming stranded at BRU. Lufthansa Group says it will cancel all departures and a significant share of arrivals; TUI fly Belgium is reviewing its schedule and will notify customers. On the ground, Belgian rail and local transit typically operate a reduced or minimum service during national actions, with details posted closer to the date. Travelers should expect knock-on delays and repositioning disruptions through October 15.

Background

Belgian trade unions called a national day of action, prompting security staff at Brussels Airport to strike. Without screening personnel, the airport determined it cannot safely process departures and moved to a coordinated standstill with airlines for October 14. Belgium has experienced similar actions this year that temporarily shut or curtailed departures at BRU and, at times, at regional airports. Inbound flights are not categorically banned, but many airlines cancel those legs to avoid aircraft rotations getting stuck, especially when ground handlers and transport links are uncertain. The airport's alert also warns of public transport disruption and directs travelers to rail and transit operators for late-breaking service plans. Because the France ATC union SNCTA plans industrial action October 7-10, connections through Paris and any flights over French airspace in the preceding week may see advance cancellations, cascading into Brussels itineraries around October 14.

Latest Developments

What arrivals may still operate at Brussels

Brussels Airport states that some arriving flights could operate on October 14 even as all departures are canceled. In practice, airlines usually trim inbound flying to prevent aircraft and crews from being stuck at a closed departure hub. Lufthansa Group has already announced it will cancel all departing flights at BRU and a "significant number" of arrivals. TUI fly Belgium has activated a site-wide alert acknowledging the airport's no-departures decision and is reviewing its program. Expect more carriers to publish targeted updates as they finalize schedules. If you must reach Brussels on October 14, monitor your inbound flight status closely and build a Plan B via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) or by rail from neighboring countries. The airport's notice also flags likely disruptions to Belgian public transport, which can affect airport access and post-arrival connections.

Analysis

For travelers booked to depart Brussels on October 14, treat the airport's decision as definitive: your outbound flight will not operate. Do not go to the airport unless your carrier instructs you to do so for a specific rebooking. Prioritize self-service changes where available, keep your original booking reference handy, and accept earlier re-routes if an airline offers them, even if they include a longer connection. Mileage or ancillary purchases generally follow the original fare rules, but many waivers relax change conditions.

Inbound flights are less predictable. Some long-hauls may arrive to position aircraft for October 15 operations, while many intra-Europe services will cancel to avoid aircraft parking constraints and crew duty-time issues. If you are flying into BRU on October 14, proactively request alternatives into AMS or Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY), then complete the journey by rail. The week prior, France's ATC strike on October 7-10 is expected to trigger capacity restrictions across western European airspace, including for overflights. That means itineraries connecting through Paris, and even some routings that only overfly France, may face preemptive cancellations or longer reroutes.

On the ground in Belgium, SNCB/NMBS typically announces minimum train service patterns shortly before a strike. Local networks STIB/MIVB, De Lijn, and TEC often run reduced schedules. Build wide buffers, verify last-minute timetables, and favor flexible fares. When re-routing via AMS or CDG/ORY, allow at least three to four hours for self-connects and consider Eurostar or Thalys-style high-speed trains where available.

Final Thoughts

October 14 will be a no-go day for departures from Brussels, with selective arrivals possible and public transport likely constrained. Your best options are to move travel earlier or later, reroute to AMS or CDG/ORY with rail onward, and lean on airline waivers already in effect. Keep all receipts for reasonable expenses if delays strand you, and confirm any self-arranged surface travel with your carrier so they can reissue your ticket correctly. Monitor status again after the France ATC action on October 7-10, which could ripple into mid-October. With proactive rebooking and patience, you can minimize impacts from the Brussels Airport strike.