Chaos at a European airport. All departures cancelled
On Tuesday, October 1, passengers in Belgium will face major difficulties due to a strike by staff at the port of Zaventem.
Last Friday, Brussels’ largest airport, Zaventem, announced the cancellation of all departures on Tuesday, October 1. The reason is the announced protest by an “external security service provider”, which would significantly affect the throughput of inspections.
Protest in Zaventem. Flights canceled
The airlines, in consultation with the airport, decided to cancel flights for that day.
About 200 flights were canceled by Brussels Airlines alone, the Belgian subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. She informed POLITICO that the problems would affect 21,000 people. passengers with a reservation for Tuesday, October 1. The airline added that arrivals are “still possible“. Passengers were asked not to arrive at the site.
On the Zaventem airport website we read: that “arriving passenger flights can operate but are likely to be canceled“. The service advised all passengers planning to arrive at Brussels airport on October 1 to check their flight status with their airline or on the website of the Belgian airport.
In total, the situation is expected to disrupt the travel of up to 50,000 people. passengers.
Reasons for the strike at the airport in Belgium
Airport staff are on strike due to overwork and deteriorating working conditions. He called for improving airport infrastructure, public transport options and rest areas. The problems included: lack of adequate public transport and parking spaces for employees. They pointed out that public transport to work was too expensive and insufficient, as well as the lack of parking spaces.
The European trade union confederations UNI Europa and Effat, along with Belgian trade unions, are responsible for the protest. They demand, among other things: decent working conditions and fair remuneration for catering workers, cleaners and security guards.
In mid-September, several tens of thousands of customers of low-cost European carriers suffered due to a strike at the Brussels-Charleroi airport. Although the possible disruptions were known in advance, passengers did not expect such major problems.
