02.06.2026 18:21
The sudden and unannounced strike by air traffic controllers within Skeyes, the institution responsible for airspace management in Belgium, has brought air travel across the country to a complete halt. All departing and arriving flights nationwide have been canceled, particularly at Brussels and Charleroi airports. Thousands of passengers have been stranded at airports due to the protest by employees opposing the decision to digitalize and relocate the management center.
All flights have been cancelled due to a strike by air traffic controllers in Belgium.
EMPLOYEES STRIKE UNANNOUNCED, FLIGHTS CANCELLED
In a statement from Brussels Airport, it was reported that employees of Skeyes, the institution responsible for Belgium's airspace, went on an unannounced strike today between 14:00 and 21:00. The statement noted that due to the unauthorized strike suddenly initiated by the controllers, air traffic in Belgian airspace cannot be carried out, adding, "Therefore, airlines have been forced to cancel all their planned flights." The statement requested that passengers with flights during these hours not come to the airport, and it was stated that air traffic is expected to resume after 21:00, with current information to be announced by the airlines.
SIMILAR SCENE IN CHARLEROI
In its statement on the matter, Charleroi Airport stated that after the Skeyes air traffic controllers' strike, which caused the cancellation of many flights between 06:30 and 09:30, a new strike has begun and operations have stopped. The statement highlighted that all departing and arriving flights have been cancelled from 14:15 onwards, and passengers were asked to contact their airlines for refunds or rebooking. The statement advised passengers with flights after 21:00 to check the status of their flights on the airlines' websites.
WHAT DO THE EMPLOYEES WANT?
The air traffic controllers are criticizing the process of moving the control of Liege and Charleroi airports to the new digital center in Namur starting next year. Employees are protesting potential issues that may arise with the implementation of the new system regarding working conditions, staffing levels, training, and workload.