Key Takeaways
• Brussels Airport cancels all departing flights on June 25, 2025, due to a national strike by Belgian trade unions.
• Over 75,000 passengers expected to be affected; airlines like Lufthansa Group offer free rebooking or refunds.
• Strike protests De Wever I government policies, causing €100 million economic losses and repeated aviation disruptions.
On June 25, 2025, Brussels Airport will come to a standstill for all departing passenger flights. This unprecedented shutdown is the direct result of a national strike organized by Belgian trade unions, including, for the first time, the liberal ACLVB union. The strike is a protest against the policies of the newly formed De Wever I government. With over 75,000 passengers expected to pass through Brussels Airport on that day, the impact will be felt not only by travelers but also by the aviation sector and the wider Belgian economy.
Why Is Brussels Airport Shutting Down Departures on June 25?
The national strike is being led by several Belgian trade unions, who are protesting what they see as harmful changes to workers’ rights and social protections under the De Wever I government. The action is particularly disruptive because it involves a large number of airport employees, especially security staff. Without enough security workers, it is impossible for the airport to guarantee safe and smooth security checks. This makes it unsafe and impractical to allow any departing passenger flights.
While some arriving flights may still land, these too could face delays or cancellations depending on how the strike affects ground operations. Airlines are working to notify all affected passengers and are urging travelers not to come to Brussels Airport on June 25.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
All departing flights from Brussels Airport are cancelled on June 25, 2025. If you have a ticket for a flight leaving that day, your plans will be affected. Airlines are responsible for informing passengers about cancellations and offering options for rebooking or refunds. For example, the Lufthansa Group—which includes Brussels Airlines, Austrian, SWISS, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, and Discover Airlines—allows affected customers to rebook once for free or request a refund, following their Schedule Change/Irregularity Policy.
Key steps for affected passengers:
- Check your flight status: Before doing anything else, verify your flight’s status with your airline. Most airlines are updating their websites and sending direct notifications to affected customers.
- Wait for airline notification: Airlines are contacting passengers with instructions on what to do next. This may include details on how to rebook your flight or request a refund.
- Rebooking or refund:
- If you booked with a Lufthansa Group airline, you can rebook once for free or ask for a refund.
- You can handle this directly through the airline’s website, customer service, or your travel agent.
- Do not go to the airport: Brussels Airport and all airlines are urging passengers not to travel to the airport on June 25, as no departing flights will operate.
For official updates and passenger information, visit the Brussels Airport official website.
How Are Airlines and the Airport Responding?
Brussels Airport, Brussels Airlines, and TUI fly have all expressed deep concern about the frequency and impact of national strikes. They are calling on unions to consider other ways to protest that do not target passengers or the aviation sector. The repeated strikes are causing major operational and financial problems, with tens of thousands of passengers and staff affected each time.
Airlines are working hard to communicate with passengers and provide flexible options for rebooking or refunds. They are also updating their websites and customer service channels to handle the large number of affected travelers.
The Scale of the Disruption
The numbers show just how big the impact is:
- Over 75,000 passengers were expected to use Brussels Airport on June 25 alone.
- 180,000 passengers have already been affected by similar strikes at Brussels Airport from January to April 2025.
- €100 million is the estimated loss to the Belgian economy so far this year due to repeated national strikes affecting aviation.
- Four days of national industrial action have already taken place at Brussels Airport in the first four months of 2025.
These figures highlight the serious consequences for both travelers and the wider economy.
Why Are Belgian Trade Unions Striking?
The national strike is part of a broader protest against the De Wever I government’s policies. Trade unions argue that these policies threaten workers’ rights and social protections. The June 25 action is especially significant because the liberal ACLVB union is joining the protest for the first time, showing growing unity among labor groups.
Union leaders say that strikes are necessary to make their voices heard and to push back against changes they believe will harm workers. They also point out that the government has not responded to their concerns in a meaningful way.
What Are the Implications for the Aviation Sector?
Repeated strikes at Brussels Airport are putting a huge strain on the aviation sector. Airlines and airport officials warn that these actions have a “disproportionate impact” on passengers and the industry. Each strike day means lost revenue, disrupted schedules, and damage to the reputation of Belgium’s aviation sector.
Aviation leaders are calling for dialogue between the government and unions to find alternative ways to protest that do not hurt travelers or the industry. They worry that if strikes continue, Belgium 🇧🇪 could lose its standing as a reliable hub for international air travel.
The Economic Impact on Belgium 🇧🇪
The financial cost of these strikes is significant. The Belgian economy has already lost an estimated €100 million in 2025 due to aviation disruptions. This includes lost business for airlines, the airport, hotels, and other travel-related services. The repeated strikes also threaten future growth and investment in the sector.
Business leaders warn that ongoing disruption could make Belgium 🇧🇪 less attractive to international travelers and companies. They are urging all parties to find a solution that protects both workers’ rights and the country’s economic interests.
Multiple Perspectives: Who Is Affected and How?
| Stakeholder | Perspective/Position |
|---|---|
| Brussels Airport & Airlines | Urge unions to find alternatives to strikes that do not disrupt passenger travel; highlight economic and reputational damage. |
| Trade Unions | Insist on the necessity of strike action to protest government policies; expanding participation to include more unions. |
| Passengers | Face significant inconvenience, financial loss, and travel disruption; rely on airlines for rebooking/refunds. |
| Belgian Government | Target of union protests; no direct recent statements cited in current reports. |
Passengers are the most directly affected, facing cancelled flights, missed connections, and extra costs. Many travelers have already lost money on hotels, tours, and other non-refundable expenses. Airlines are trying to help by offering rebooking and refunds, but the disruption is still a major headache for everyone involved.
Airlines and the airport are losing revenue and facing extra costs to manage the crisis. They are also worried about long-term damage to their reputation if travelers start to avoid Brussels Airport.
Trade unions believe that striking is the only way to get the government’s attention and protect workers’ rights. They argue that the government’s policies will hurt not just airport staff, but workers across Belgium 🇧🇪.
The government is the main target of the protests, but has not made any recent public statements about the strike.
Historical Background: Why Are Strikes So Common at Brussels Airport in 2025?
National strikes at Brussels Airport have become a regular event in 2025. There has been at least one day of action each month from January to April, each time causing major disruption to air travel. The strikes are a response to the policies of the new De Wever I government, which unions say undermine workers’ rights and social protections.
The June 25 strike marks an escalation, with the liberal ACLVB union joining for the first time. This shows that more and more unions are willing to take action together, increasing the pressure on the government.
What Should Passengers Do If Their Flight Is Cancelled?
If your flight from Brussels Airport is cancelled due to the national strike, here’s what you should do:
- Do not go to the airport. All departing flights are cancelled, and the airport will not be able to help you in person.
- Check your airline’s website for the latest updates and instructions.
- Wait for your airline to contact you. Airlines are sending notifications to affected passengers with details on how to rebook or get a refund.
- Use online tools or customer service to manage your booking. Most airlines allow you to rebook or request a refund through their website or app.
- Contact your travel agent if you booked through one. They can help you with rebooking or refunds.
For more information, you can visit the Brussels Airport passenger information page.
What Are the Airlines’ Policies for Rebooking and Refunds?
Airlines are offering flexible options for affected passengers. For example, the Lufthansa Group (which includes Brussels Airlines, Austrian, SWISS, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, and Discover Airlines) allows customers to:
- Rebook once for free to a later date.
- Request a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
You can handle these changes directly through the airline’s website, customer service, or your travel agent. Each airline may have slightly different policies, so check with your carrier for specific details.
What Is the Outlook for Future Strikes?
As of now, there is no sign that the June 25 strike will be called off or reduced. All parties are preparing for a full shutdown of departing flights on that date. Aviation and business leaders are calling for dialogue and alternative forms of protest to avoid further economic harm and reputational damage to Belgium’s aviation sector.
If the government and unions do not reach an agreement, more strikes and disruptions are likely. The pattern of monthly strikes could continue, with even greater impact if more unions join the action.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- Brussels Airport:
- Official website for updates and passenger information.
- Brussels Airlines:
- brusselsairlines.com for flight status, rebooking, and refunds.
- Lufthansa Group Airlines:
- lufthansa.com, austrian.com, swiss.com, eurowings.com, airdolomiti.eu, discover-airlines.com for flight changes and customer service.
- Travelers needing help:
- Contact your airline or travel agent directly for rebooking or refund options.
Expert and Industry Analysis
Aviation industry leaders warn that repeated strikes are having a “disproportionate impact” on passengers and the sector. They are calling for union action that does not target air travel, pointing to the risk of long-term reputational and financial damage to Belgium’s aviation sector. Union leaders, on the other hand, argue that the strikes are necessary to protest government policies they view as harmful to workers’ rights and social protections.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that unless the government and unions find common ground, Belgium 🇧🇪 could face ongoing disruption, with serious consequences for travelers, businesses, and the country’s reputation as a travel hub.
Practical Takeaways for Travelers
- If you have a flight departing from Brussels Airport on June 25, 2025, it is cancelled.
- Do not go to the airport. Wait for your airline to contact you.
- Check your airline’s website for the latest information and instructions.
- Use online tools or customer service to rebook or request a refund.
- Stay informed by checking official sources and news updates regularly.
Conclusion
The national strike at Brussels Airport on June 25, 2025, is set to cause major disruption for travelers, airlines, and the Belgian economy. With all departing flights cancelled and no sign of a resolution, passengers must rely on airlines for rebooking or refunds and should avoid traveling to the airport. The strike reflects deeper tensions between trade unions and the government, with the potential for further action if no agreement is reached. For the latest updates, always check your airline’s website and Brussels Airport’s official channels before making any travel plans.
Learn Today
National strike → A coordinated work stoppage organized by unions to protest government policies or labor conditions.
De Wever I government → The current Belgian federal administration whose policies sparked the protest involving multiple trade unions.
Lufthansa Group → A major airline alliance including Brussels Airlines, providing rebooking and refund options amid the strike.
Rebooking → Airline process allowing passengers to change their flight to a later date without extra charge.
Trade unions → Organizations representing workers, advocating for labor rights and better working conditions through actions like strikes.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 25, 2025, Brussels Airport halts all departures due to a major national strike. Over 75,000 passengers will face cancellations, with airlines offering rebooking and refunds. The strike highlights conflicts over government policies affecting workers’ rights, severely impacting Belgium’s economy and air travel sector.
— By VisaVerge.com
