Warnings Issued for Potential Disruptions by TAP
Brussels International Airport (EBBR) has announced the cancellation of all flights scheduled for March 31, 2023, due to a general strike in Belgium. The disruptions at the airport may affect both departures and arrivals, causing potential inconvenience for travellers.
The airport has agreed with the airlines on the cancellations, and passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airlines regarding arrivals at Brussels International Airport. TAP airline, one of the affected airlines, is currently working to minimise disruption and advises passengers to check their flight status and arrive at the airport early, without checked luggage if possible.
Passengers are also recommended not to go to the terminals at Brussels International Airport. Companies are expected to notify passengers about the cancellations in the coming days. Brussels airport has warned of possible disruptions to arrivals as well.
This is not the first time that a general strike has caused significant airport disruptions in Belgium. The most recent nationwide general strike occurred on June 25, 2025, when airlines were required to cancel all departures at Brussels International Airport that required passenger security screening. Most passenger flights were impacted, with only business aviation experiencing minor delays and some arrivals potentially affected as well.
To prepare for possible future strikes or disruptions, passengers are advised to stay informed, arrive early, check alternate routes and airlines, prepare for rebooking or refunds, follow NOTAMs and official guidance, and pack essentials. Passengers should also be aware that from July 12 to August 27, 2025, one of the three runways at Brussels Airport will be closed for construction, which may result in delays or schedule adjustments.
Currently, there are no ongoing general strike-related cancellations at Brussels International Airport, but passengers should remain vigilant for possible disruptions due to ongoing construction and future labor actions.
[1] Brussels Airport Company (2023). Brussels Airport cancels all flights on 31 March 2023 due to general strike. [online] Available at:
[2] Flightradar24 (2023). Brussels Airlines SN2826 [online] Available at:
[3] Brussels Airport Company (2023). Construction works at Brussels Airport. [online] Available at:
[4] European Commission (2025). Brussels Airport: Nationwide general strike causes significant disruption. [online] Available at:
[5] International Air Transport Association (2025). Brussels Airport: General strike causes disruption to operations. [online] Available at: [Accessed 1 April 2023].
- TAP Air Portugal strongly suggests passengers to confirm their flight status for arrivals at Brussels International Airport, considering the cancellations and potential disruptions resulting from the ongoing general strike in Belgium.
- As Portugal's national carrier, TAP Air Portugal is making efforts to minimize any travel inconvenience due to the strike, urging passengers to arrive at Brussels Airport early, without checked luggage if possible, and stay updated on any flight changes.
