12 Feb 2019 | 10:31 PM UTC
Belgium: Airspace over Belgium to close during nationwide general strike Feb. 13 /update 3
Significant flight, rail, and public transportation disruptions expected during general strike on February 13; airspace to remain closed over Belgium
Event
Significant transportation and flight disruptions are expected during a strike scheduled for Wednesday, February 13. Major labor unions are organizing the strike to call for wage increases after talks with the Central Economic Council failed on January 22. According to the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol), air traffic controllers at Belgian airports, as well as airport ground crews, are expected to participate in the strike on February 13, forcing the cancelation or rerouting of all flights. TUI fly Deutschland has announced it will reroute flights scheduled at BRU to Lille Airport (LIL), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
Employees at Belgium's national railway operator (SNCB) are also expected to participate in the strike along with employees at the Walloon Regional Transport Company (TEC), the Flemish De Lijn public transportation operator, and the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB). Furthermore, unions representing police officers, medical workers, and firefighters have announced they will take part in the work stoppage. Demonstrations are possible in major urban centers. A heightened security presence, as well as associated transportation and business disruptions, are expected near any demonstration.
Advice
Individuals in or traveling through Belgium are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm travel itineraries, budget extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid associated demonstrations.
