Flights Canceled at Charleroi Airport Due to Surprise Strike

On Thursday, all flights at Brussels South Charleroi Airport were canceled due to a surprise strike that affected approximately 200 flights and around 30,000 passengers. The airport's management expressed their astonishment at the sudden action, especially since unions had previously issued a notice for a potential strike starting from September 19. Nathalie Pierard, the airport spokesperson, criticized the situation, stating that passengers were being held 'hostage' by these unexpected actions. The strike was announced just a day prior, leading to confusion as the Christian union Cne indicated there was no official call for action from workers' representatives. In response to the situation, the airport's operational capacity was reduced to 15 percent, but ultimately, they were unable to board any passengers on flights that day. Only two flights were diverted to Liège airport, while the remainder were canceled. The underlying dispute revolves around working conditions, with union representatives voicing concerns over what they described as an 'aggressive management policy.' This strike highlights ongoing tensions between airport management and staff, which have been exacerbated by dissatisfaction with working conditions. Charleroi Airport, located about 60 kilometers south of Brussels, is primarily utilized by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. With nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2023, it ranks as Belgium's second busiest airport, following Brussels Airport. The strike's impact on such a significant number of travelers underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying issues at the airport.