Flights Cancelled in Brussels Due to Strike Over Pension Reform

Key Takeaways

• On June 25, 2025, thousands struck, canceling hundreds of flights at Brussels airports.
• Strike opposed pension reforms raising civil servant retirement age to 66 and altering benefits.
• Public transport shut down; courts and waste collection disrupted across Belgium during strike.

Hundreds of Flights Cancelled in Brussels as Pension Reform Strike Paralyzes Belgium

On June 25, 2025, Belgium 🇧🇪 faced one of its most disruptive strikes in recent years, as tens of thousands of workers protested the government’s proposed pension reform. The strike, which was the fifth general strike of the year, led to hundreds of flights cancelled at Brussels’ main airports, a near-total shutdown of public transport, and widespread interruptions to essential services. The events in Brussels have drawn attention not only for their immediate impact on travel and daily life, but also for what they reveal about the country’s ongoing debate over pensions, public spending, and the future of social protections.

What Happened: The Strike and Its Immediate Impact

Who: The strike was organized by Belgium’s major trade unions, including ACV, and supported by a broad coalition of public sector workers, legal professionals, and civil servants. Tens of thousands of people participated in demonstrations across the country, with a particularly strong turnout in Brussels.

What: The main focus of the strike was opposition to the De Wever government’s proposed pension reform. The government wants to raise the retirement age for civil servants to 66, matching the private sector, and to change how pension benefits are calculated. Unions and many workers see these changes as unfair and harmful to social protections.

When: The strike took place on June 25, 2025, but its effects are expected to last for several days as the country recovers from the disruptions.

Where: The most visible impact was in Brussels, especially at Zaventem (Brussels Airport) and Charleroi Airport. However, the strike affected the entire country, with demonstrations and service interruptions in many cities.

Why: The government argues that pension reform is needed because people are living longer, pension costs are rising, and Belgium 🇧🇪 needs to fix its budget deficit to meet European Union (EU) rules. Unions and many workers believe the reforms are unfair and will hurt ordinary people.

How: The strike was coordinated by unions, who called on workers to stop work and join demonstrations. Public transport workers, airport staff, legal professionals, and many others participated, leading to widespread cancellations and delays.

Flights Cancelled: The Impact on Air Travel

The strike had a severe impact on air travel, especially for anyone flying to or from Brussels on June 25, 2025.

• At Brussels Airport (Zaventem):
  • All departing passenger flights were cancelled.
  • Of the 261 scheduled arrivals, only 103 flights landed as planned.
  • Passengers faced long lines, confusion, and uncertainty about when flights would resume.
• At Charleroi Airport:
  • All flights were cancelled due to staff shortages.
  • Travelers were advised to check with airlines for updates and rebooking options.
• Across Belgium 🇧🇪:
  • Hundreds of flights were cancelled or rescheduled.
  • Airlines and airports warned of a backlog and high demand in the days following the strike.

These disruptions left thousands of travelers stranded or forced to change their plans. Many people missed important events, business meetings, or family gatherings. The situation was especially difficult for those with connecting flights or urgent travel needs.

Public Transport and Essential Services: Widespread Disruption

The strike did not only affect air travel. Public transport in Brussels was almost completely shut down, with only one metro line running. Buses, trams, and trains were either cancelled or running on a very limited schedule. This made it difficult for people to get to work, school, or even the airport.

Other essential services were also affected:

• Waste collection: Rubbish was not picked up in several areas, leading to overflowing bins and concerns about hygiene.
• Court operations: Many courts were closed or delayed, as magistrates and lawyers joined the protests.
• Public offices: Many government offices operated with reduced staff or were closed entirely.

The widespread nature of the strike showed the depth of opposition to the pension reform and the ability of unions to mobilize workers across different sectors.

Why the Strike Happened: The Pension Reform Debate

The main reason for the strike was the government’s plan to change the pension system. The proposed pension reform includes:

• Raising the retirement age for civil servants to 66, the same as the private sector.
• Changing how pension benefits are calculated, which could reduce payments for some workers.
• Other changes aimed at reducing the cost of pensions and helping Belgium 🇧🇪 meet EU budget rules.

The government, led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, says these changes are necessary because:

• People are living longer, so pensions cost more.
• Belgium 🇧🇪 has a large budget deficit and needs to spend less.
• The country must follow EU rules on government spending.
• Belgium 🇧🇪 has promised NATO to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, which puts more pressure on the budget.

Unions and many workers disagree. They argue that:

• The reforms are unfair and target ordinary workers.
• Raising the retirement age will force people to work longer, even if they are tired or in poor health.
• Changing pension calculations will reduce benefits for many people.
• The government should find other ways to balance the budget, such as taxing the wealthy or cutting other spending.

Ann Vermorgen, leader of the ACV union, said, “These are not just actions by trade unionists, it is the workers who are coming together and showing solidarity against this government.”

Legal Professionals Join the Protest

The strike also saw strong participation from legal professionals. About 200 magistrates and lawyers gathered at Place Poelaert in Brussels to protest not only the pension reforms but also the chronic underfunding of the justice system. They warned that “justice is despised because it is left to fend for itself and is under-resourced.”

This highlights a broader concern that the government’s budget cuts and reforms are affecting not just pensions, but the quality and independence of important public services.

How Travelers Are Affected: What to Do If Your Flight Was Cancelled

If you were planning to travel to or from Brussels on June 25, 2025, or in the days following, you may have been affected by the flights cancelled due to the strike. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Check Your Flight Status: Go directly to your airline’s website or the official Brussels Airport website to see if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
2. Contact Your Airline: If your flight was cancelled, contact your airline as soon as possible to discuss rebooking options. Airlines are working to reschedule flights, but there may be delays due to the backlog.
3. Know Your Rights: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers whose flights are cancelled may be entitled to compensation or assistance, depending on the reason for the cancellation and the notice given. For more information, visit the European Consumer Centre Belgium website.
4. Plan for Delays: With public transport also disrupted, allow extra time to get to the airport or to find alternative ways to travel.
5. Keep Receipts: If you have extra expenses because of the cancellation (like hotels or meals), keep your receipts. You may be able to claim these costs from your airline.

The Broader Impact: Economic and Social Consequences

The strike has put even more pressure on the Belgian 🇧🇪 government. Not only does it have to deal with the immediate disruption, but it also faces growing anger from workers and unions. The economic impact is significant:

• Airlines and airports face lost revenue and extra costs from rescheduling flights and helping stranded passengers.
• Businesses lose productivity when employees cannot get to work.
• Tourism is affected as visitors face uncertainty and delays.
• Public services are stretched thin, with delays in courts, waste collection, and other areas.

The government must now decide whether to push ahead with the pension reform or to negotiate with unions to find a compromise.

Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholders’ Views

The pension reform debate has divided Belgium 🇧🇪, with different groups taking strong positions:

Trade unions have warned that if the government does not negotiate, more strikes and protests will follow. The government, for its part, insists that reforms are needed to avoid a financial crisis and to meet international commitments.

Historical Context: Why Is Pension Reform So Controversial in Belgium?

Belgium 🇧🇪 has a long history of strong unions and frequent general strikes, especially when the government tries to change social welfare programs. The current debate over pension reform is not new. It is driven by:

• An aging population: More people are retiring, and they are living longer, which increases pension costs.
• Rising government debt: Belgium 🇧🇪 has a budget deficit that breaks EU rules, putting pressure on the government to cut spending.
• Previous strikes: Earlier in 2025, there were four other general strikes over similar issues, showing deep and ongoing social tensions.

These factors make pension reform a very sensitive issue, with strong feelings on both sides.

What Happens Next: Future Outlook

The situation remains uncertain. As reported by VisaVerge.com, further strikes and protests are likely if the government does not compromise. Unions have already announced plans for a major demonstration on October 14, 2025.

Airports and airlines expect several days of disruption as they work to clear the backlog of cancelled flights and accommodate rescheduled passengers. Travelers should be prepared for continued delays and check for updates before making plans.

The government faces a difficult choice: stick to its reform plans and risk more unrest, or negotiate with unions and possibly delay or change the reforms.

Practical Guidance for Travelers and Residents

If you are in Belgium 🇧🇪 or planning to travel there soon, here are some practical tips:

• Stay informed: Check official sources like the Brussels Airport website for the latest updates on flights and services.
• Allow extra time: With ongoing disruptions, give yourself more time to get to the airport or to travel within the country.
• Be flexible: If possible, change your travel plans to avoid the busiest days or consider alternative routes.
• Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with EU passenger rights and keep records of any extra expenses.
• Monitor union and government announcements: The situation can change quickly, so stay updated on possible new strikes or negotiations.

Conclusion: A Country at a Crossroads

The events in Brussels on June 25, 2025, show how deeply the debate over pension reform has divided Belgium 🇧🇪. The flights cancelled at Brussels’ airports are just one sign of the wider disruption caused by the strike. As the government and unions continue to argue over the future of pensions, ordinary people are caught in the middle, facing delays, uncertainty, and frustration.

Whether the government will change its plans or push ahead remains to be seen. What is clear is that the issue of pension reform will remain at the center of Belgian 🇧🇪 politics for months to come, with more strikes and protests likely if no agreement is reached.

For now, travelers and residents should stay alert, plan ahead, and be ready for further changes as the situation develops. The official Belgian government portal provides up-to-date information on policy changes and public services.

By understanding the reasons behind the strike and knowing what steps to take, you can better manage the challenges caused by the ongoing debate over pension reform in Belgium 🇧🇪.

Learn Today

Pension Reform → Government changes proposed to adjust retirement age and pension benefit calculations to reduce costs.
Trade Unions → Organizations representing workers that coordinate strikes and protests against government policies.
EU Regulation 261/2004 → European law protecting passengers’ rights during flight cancellations or significant delays.
General Strike → A large-scale work stoppage by multiple sectors protesting government actions or policies.
Budget Deficit → When government expenses exceed revenues, requiring spending cuts or reforms to balance finances.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 25, 2025, a massive strike in Belgium halted flights at Brussels airports, disrupted public transport, and challenged pension reforms. Workers opposed raising retirement age to 66 and changing pension benefits. This unrest highlights critical social tensions with impacts on travel, justice, and daily life, continuing into October.
— By VisaVerge.com