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Travellers in Belgium this week face major disruption this week as transport unions continue national strikes over government budget cuts.
Three major unions have launched a coordinated strike in protest of the government’s proposed austerity measures, which include raising the statutory retirement age.
Rail and air services are being hit by the walkouts. On Wednesday, many flights have been cancelled at the country’s two major airports.
Previous strikes in October saw severe delays and cancellations across many services, affecting tens of thousands of travellers across the country.
Flights cancelled to and from Belgium
Flights to and from Brussels Airport in Zaventem, the country’s biggest and busiest airport, will face disruption on Wednesday 26 October, as nationwide strikes see ground staff and security workers walk out.
“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with airlines, not to operate any departing flights on 26 November,” the airport said in a statement on its website. As departing passenger flights are cancelled, it adds, cancellations are also possible on some arriving flights.
The airport operator has said that in the upcoming days, airlines will contact passengers directly to inform them of their options.
The second busiest airport in Belgium, Brussels South Charleroi, has said it “will not be able to operate scheduled departures and arrivals” on 26 November.
“Passengers scheduled to fly via Charleroi on November 26 will be contacted in the coming days by their airline for a rebooking or refund,” the airport said in a statement.
It also warns that, during the three days of strikes between 24 and 26 November, travel to the airport may be difficult due to roadblocks and significant public transport disruptions.
Belgium faces three days of rail disruption
A 72-hour strike by rail workers began on Sunday 23 November at 10 pm and will continue until the last train of the night on Wednesday, 26 November.
Rail operator SNCB has said it will be affected on all three days of the walkout and can only run around 20 per cent of its usual services. Passengers are advised to check the operator’s online journey planner for the latest information on train schedules.
Metro, tram and bus services across Brussels also expect to face significant disruption. Passengers are being advised to make alternative travel arrangements if possible.
Many international trains have either been cancelled or rerouted, causing severe delays. Only half of Eurostar services between Brussels and Paris are expected to run and around 20 per cent of trains between Brussels, Liège and Germany. Three-quarters of trains between Brussels and Amsterdam and Amsterdam and London will still go ahead.
Trains between Brussels, Lille and London and between London and Paris are expected to run as planned. Affected customers have been notified by Eurostar and given the option to change their booking at no additional cost. Passengers are advised to keep an eye on the operator’s live train info page, which will be updated with further information.
Those with connecting journeys are also being advised to leave extra time, as public transport and domestic trains are likely to be affected.
Quoted from Euronews.
