Belgium National Strike: Major Air Travel Disruptions Expected on May 12

A national strike scheduled for May 12, 2026, is expected to cause widespread disruptions across multiple sectors in Belgium, with the aviation industry facing severe operational halts and passengers reporting significant financial disputes.

The strike is anticipated to cause heavy disruptions to air traffic across the country, according to reporting from Air Journal. The impact is expected to be most acute at regional hubs, where operational capacity will be severely limited.

Charleroi Airport Operational Shutdown

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is expected to reach a total standstill during the industrial action. According to La Voix du Nord, the airport will see neither arrivals nor departures on May 12, 2026, effectively halting all commercial flight activity at the facility for the duration of the strike.

Ryanair Passenger Disputes and Modification Costs

The labor unrest has already led to significant consumer friction, particularly involving Ryanair passengers. According to RTL Info, travelers are facing a complex situation regarding cancelled flights and the inability to secure refunds.

Reports indicate that some passengers have been asked to pay substantial fees to change their travel arrangements. One passenger reported being asked for more than 1,220 euros to modify a flight following a cancellation, while simultaneously finding that a refund was impossible.

Broad Sector Disruptions

Beyond the aviation sector, the May 12 national strike is expected to affect various other industries. Le Soir reports that perturbations are anticipated across different sectors, contributing to a broader state of instability in national transport, and services.

The social sentiment surrounding the industrial action remains a point of focus, with RTBF reporting on polling data regarding whether the public expects meaningful change to result from the strike actions.