Brussels Airlines will cancel about 40% of its scheduled flights on Friday after ground handler Alyzia joins nationwide union action in Brussels, triggering wider disruption at Brussels Airport. The airport expects around 140 cancellations in total, with roughly half of the flights handled by Alyzia still due to operate, while services processed by Aviapartner, including TUI fly and Ryanair, are not currently expected to be affected.
Brussels Airport warned on Tuesday that the industrial action will hit operations at its Zaventem hub on Friday, when Alyzia staff are set to take part in the national protests. Alyzia handles ground services for about 20 airlines at the airport, including Brussels Airlines, its largest customer there.
Passengers booked on affected Brussels Airlines flights will be contacted proactively and offered an alternative journey or a refund. Travellers can also check their booking status through the airline’s online system. Belgian media reported the 40% cancellation rate for Brussels Airlines, while Reuters confirmed the broader airport disruption and the expected scale of cancellations at Brussels Airport.