Belgium Sets Nov 24-26 Strike, Eurostar Alerts Changes

Eurostar is warning customers about expected strike action in Belgium from November 24 to 26, noting that domestic rail and city transport could be disrupted and that cross-border timetables may be adjusted. The alert follows a formal, 72-hour strike notice lodged by Belgian rail unions from late Sunday, November 23, to late Wednesday, November 26. Travelers with connections at Brussels-Midi, and those routing between London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels, should build longer buffers or move to earlier departures during the window.

Eurostar's position and what it means

Eurostar's live updates page states that strike action is expected in Belgium between November 24 and 26 and advises passengers to keep checking live train information, especially if they have connecting journeys with other carriers. The operator indicates that timetable changes are possible, and that extra journey time may be required. Practically, this means same-day connections in Brussels that are comfortable under normal conditions could become risky if public transport is running at reduced levels or if platform changes cascade through the schedule.

SNCB strike window and likely service model

Belgium's domestic railway, SNCB, has a strike notice covering 1000 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, through 1000 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26. Belgian press reports add that Monday will focus on the railways and public transport, Tuesday is set for broader public-service action, and Wednesday is a nationwide general strike. When these multi-day actions are confirmed, SNCB typically publishes an "alternative service" with a reduced pattern on core corridors and fewer peripheral or peak-only trains. Expect thinner frequencies, priority for main intercity lines, and some last-minute crew-availability changes that can still unravel a planned skeleton timetable.

Airport access and airline waivers

Belgian strikes can extend beyond rail to security staff, baggage handlers, and ground transport, which is why travelers feeding Brussels Airport (officially Brussels Airport, BRU) should watch both rail status and airport advisories. In October, a nationwide strike caused widespread airport and public-transport disruption, including mass flight cancellations, underscoring how quickly a labor action can compress capacity and trigger airline waivers. If carriers begin issuing flexible-change policies for Belgium during the November 24-26 window, those will usually require rebooking before departure and will specify valid travel dates and fare rules. Build extra transfer time to the airport, and consider moving critical flights outside the core strike days.

Paris, London, and Amsterdam connections

For travelers using Brussels-Midi as a through-station, the safest move is to protect onward legs from Paris or London by booking earlier trains the same day, or by shifting to the previous evening if hotel and schedule allow. Eurostar can operate across borders even during Belgian actions, but the ability to join, leave, or connect at Brussels is sensitive to station operations, staffing, and domestic feeder services. If you rely on SNCB or local transit to reach Brussels-Midi, plan a backup-coach, rideshare, or car service-so that a shortened local timetable does not cause a missed Eurostar departure.

Background: How Belgian strike days unfold

Belgian union actions often follow a pattern, with targeted sectors striking on day one, public services the next day, and a general strike to conclude. The rail strike window for late November runs from the evening of November 23 through the evening of November 26, spanning three full operating days in which domestic services are likely reduced. City systems such as STIB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, and TEC in Wallonia may also scale back, which complicates last-mile links to major stations. Eurostar will update if its own timetable changes, but domestic connectivity and station crowding are the most common traveler pain points.

What to do now

If you are booked on Eurostar to or from Brussels between November 24 and 26, re-check your specific train on the operator's updates page, then rebuild your day with conservative buffers at Brussels-Midi. If your itinerary depends on SNCB to reach the station, download an offline map and identify non-rail alternatives. For flights into or out of Brussels Airport during the window, keep an eye on your airline's alerts and be ready to take advantage of any change-fee waivers, which tend to be time-bound and require action before departure.

Final thoughts

Belgium's late-November strike window, November 24-26, is now on the calendar. Eurostar is signaling potential timetable changes, SNCB expects to run on an alternative pattern, and city systems could thin out. The most reliable strategy is to move to earlier legs, avoid tight connections at Brussels-Midi, and leave room for ground-transport detours while monitoring Eurostar's updates page for timetable impacts.

Sources

• Eurostar Travel Updates
• De Morgen: Rail Strike Runs Nov 23 10 p.m. to Nov 26 10 p.m.
• The Brussels Times: Three Days Of Strike Action In Late November
• BRU Rail Tunnel Works Advisory, SNCB International
• Reuters: October General Strike Disrupted Airports And Transit