Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Belgium.
Belgium Status
WATCH
Travel to Belgium remains possible, but national industrial action on 9 October is causing flight cancellations at Brussels Airport and disruption to public transport. Separate overnight air traffic control strikes have also been reported at Brussels South Charleroi Airport through 10 October. Travellers should check their flights and transport arrangements before departure.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Brussels Airport strike on 9 October
Employees of ground-handling company Alyzia are participating in national industrial action. Brussels Airport confirms that flight cancellations have been registered, although more than half of Alyzia-handled flights are expected to operate. Flights handled by Aviapartner are not currently expected to be affected. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline.
Charleroi Airport overnight strikes
Air traffic controllers at Brussels South Charleroi Airport announced nightly strike action between 10pm and 8am from 16 September through 10 October 2026. Travellers using Charleroi should verify whether the action is affecting their particular flight.
Public transport disruption
The 9 October national strike is also affecting Brussels metro, tram and bus services. Reduced frequencies and cancelled services may make travel to airports, railway stations and other destinations more difficult.
Further industrial action on 12 October
Additional public-sector industrial action is planned for Monday, 12 October. Brussels Airport currently expects no impact on flights from this action, but public transport disruption is anticipated.
Visa requirements
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on nationality. Many travellers can visit visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.
Passport requirements
Travellers subject to standard Schengen passport rules generally need a passport issued less than 10 years before arrival and valid for at least three months after their planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Entry/Exit System
The EU Entry/Exit System applies to eligible non-EU short-stay travellers crossing external Schengen borders. Biometric registration may include fingerprints and a facial image.
Allow additional border time
Entry/Exit System procedures may increase processing times at external Schengen borders. Travellers should allow additional time for immigration, particularly when Belgium is their first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
Latest Travel Changes
9 October 2026: Brussels Airport flight cancellations
Flight cancellations are affecting Brussels Airport as Alyzia ground-handling employees participate in national industrial action. More than half of Alyzia-handled flights are expected to operate, while flights handled by Aviapartner are not expected to be affected. The airport remains open.
9 October 2026: Brussels demonstrations and transport disruption
A major national demonstration is taking place in Brussels. Public transport services have been disrupted, and road access in parts of central Brussels is affected. Travellers should check local transport arrangements.
12 October 2026: Further public-sector action planned
Brussels Airport advises that additional industrial action on 12 October is not currently expected to affect flights. However, disruption to public transport is anticipated.
16 September 2026: Charleroi Airport overnight strikes
Air traffic controllers announced nightly strike action at Brussels South Charleroi Airport between 10pm and 8am, potentially continuing through 10 October 2026.
Before You Travel
Check your flight
If travelling through Brussels Airport on 9 October, confirm your flight status directly with your airline. Do not assume your flight is cancelled simply because your airline uses Alyzia.
Check airport transport
Allow extra time to reach Brussels Airport or Brussels South Charleroi Airport. National industrial action may affect metro, tram, bus and other public transport connections.
Check entry requirements
Confirm the visa, passport and Schengen entry rules applicable to your nationality before travelling.
Official information
Brussels Airport operational announcements
Brussels Airport passenger information
Brussels public transport updates
City of Brussels demonstration information
EU Entry/Exit System information
Travel Status highlights significant developments that could affect a trip. It does not replace official immigration, airline, airport or government advice.