Belgium air traffic strike grounds hundreds of flights in major travel disruption for Europe

Air traffic controllers at Skeyes, the Belgian company in charge of the skies over the country, have launched previously unannounced strikes that have brought Belgian aviation to a halt on Tuesday, June 2. Operations have been facing severe interruptions from the overnight spontaneous walkout and a larger planned action in the afternoon.

Overnight action causes early morning disruptions

Staff walked off the job between 2.30am and 7am in protest against plans for a new digital control centre in Namur. Trade unions voiced concerns about agreements linked to this project, which will centralise control towers from Liege and Charleroi airports starting in 2027.

Delays hit multiple sites during the early hours. Brussels Airport saw around 25 departures leave later than scheduled while two inbound flights diverted elsewhere. Cargo operations there suffered interruptions too.

❗️Unannounced strike at skeyes on June 2nd 2026.
No flights between 2 and 9 pm. All flights to and from Brussels Airport between 2 pm and 9 pm will unfortunately have to be cancelled by the airlines. Please do not come to the airport if you are flying between 2 pm and 9 pm. More… pic.twitter.com/KZNu88PgZm

— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) June 2, 2026

Liège Airport recorded roughly 20 affected flights. Charleroi Airport experienced both delays and outright cancellations, with around 30 passenger flights scrapped overnight. Around 40 cargo flights at Liege faced similar problems.

Afternoon walkout brings full shutdown

Even more industrial action from 2pm to 9pm suspended nearly all air traffic across Belgium. Airlines cancelled flights to and from Brussels Airport, Charleroi Airport and other sites during this window.

All European airports received warnings about the coming disruption. Passengers received clear messages not to travel to airports for services during the strike period. Brussels Airport confirmed that carriers must cancel all scheduled movements between 2pm and 9pm.

Charleroi Airport placed a full stop on operations from 2.15pm Officials there called for passengers with later bookings to contact airlines directly for refunds or changes.

Knock-on effects ripple through schedules beyond Belgium

Travel chaos extended well past the main strike windows. Airlines worked to recover timetables, yet residual delays continued into the afternoon and evening. Some flights scheduled close to the end of the action may push back until after 9pm.

Cargo services encountered extra complications at key freight hubs. Businesses relying on just-in-time deliveries from or through Belgian airports reported potential supply chain issues.

International connections suffered knock-on cancellations or rerouting, with British Airways and Ryanair among carriers forced to adjust services from the UK.

Passengers already in transit or planning connections faced uncertainty. Hotels near airports saw increased demand as stranded travellers sought accommodation. Road traffic around terminals rose as people changed plans at short notice.

What passengers should know

Travellers should check airline websites and apps for real-time updates. Many carriers offer rebooking options or refunds for disrupted journeys. Those with flights after 9pm still need to verify status, as further changes remain possible.

Air traffic control spokespeople said that minimum services cover only state, medical and search-and-rescue flights. Normal operations may take time to resume fully even after the strike ends.

This action highlights ongoing tensions in Belgian air navigation services. Future developments around the Namur digital centre could lead to more disputes if unions and management fail to reach agreement.

Authorities and airport operators continue to monitor the situation closely. Passengers can expect more updates throughout the day as recovery efforts progress. Anyone due to fly in or out of Belgium in coming hours should prepare for possible alterations to their plans.

The episode adds pressure to an already busy summer travel season, with many holidaymakers now rethinking routes or transport modes.