Charleroi Airport strike: 44 flights cancelled

At least 44 flights have been cancelled at Brussels South Charleroi Airport between Wednesday 16 September and 08:00 on Thursday 17 September, affecting more than 7,000 passengers, according to the airport.

The disruption comes as Skeyes air traffic controllers begin a series of night-time strikes. The announced action runs from 22:00 to 08:00 each night and could continue until 10 October.

Skeyes estimates that around 832 flight movements could be affected across the full strike period. That figure is an estimate of possible disruption, not a confirmed list of 832 cancellations. Travellers should check their own flight before setting out.

What passengers should do now

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is asking passengers to check directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. It also advises travellers to follow airline app notifications and the airport’s official updates.

If your airline confirms that your flight is cancelled, the airport says you should not travel to the terminal. Questions about rebooking, refunds or alternative routes should be directed to the operating airline.

Why early-morning flights can also be affected

The strike window is overnight, but the effect can carry into the morning. Skeyes has warned that when an aircraft cannot return to Charleroi during the night, it may not be in position to operate its first scheduled flight the next morning.

That means passengers with early departures should also check their flight status, even if the departure itself is outside the 22:00 to 08:00 strike period.

What are your rights if a flight is cancelled?

For flights covered by EU passenger-rights rules, a cancellation normally gives passengers a choice between reimbursement and re-routing. Airlines may also have duties to provide care while passengers wait for alternative transport.

Whether fixed financial compensation is payable is a separate question. EU guidance says strikes external to an airline, including air traffic control strikes, may count as extraordinary circumstances. The exact position depends on the cause of the disruption and the individual journey.

Passengers should keep airline messages, booking details and receipts for reasonable expenses, and check the European Union’s official air passenger rights guidance if they need to make a claim.

How long could the Charleroi strikes last?

The announced industrial action is expected every night from 16 September until 10 October, unless an agreement is reached earlier. Skeyes has estimated that 487 morning flights and 345 night flights could be affected across the period, but the actual number will depend on airline schedules and any changes to the strike action.

Babylon will update this article if the airport or Skeyes announces a change to the strike plan.