Charleroi (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) is shut down due to surprise strikes by trade unions, disrupting flights and essential services, and leaving travelers stranded.
At first, the airport and airlines told passengers there might be delays because of a planned strike. They suggested bringing only hand luggage to avoid problems with bags and said they would reduce flights to manage things better. They thought flights would still go on, just a bit slower.
What led to the complete shutdown of Brussels South Charleroi Airport due to surprise union strikes?
It has been said that things have gotten worse, and the airport is completely shut down. All flights are canceled, and no planes can take off or land, leaving many travelers stuck. Important services like handling luggage and security checks are also affected, making it hard to run everything. The strike is causing more chaos than expected, and passengers are having a tough time. The airport is trying to give updates, but there’s no clear idea of when things will get back to normal.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) is facing serious issues because of surprise strikes by trade unions. An airport spokesperson, Nathalie Pierard, said these strikes make it unsafe for passengers and staff. She expressed regret about how this affects travelers, saying they feel “held hostage” by these sudden changes that disrupt normal airport operations. Because of safety concerns, BSCA is advising passengers with flights today not to go to the airport and to check with their airlines for updates on cancellations or rebooking. She mentioned that this situation shows how unexpected strikes can create problems and the need for good communication between airports, airlines, and passengers.
The issue is about the working conditions for the staff. Many workers are off sick, which makes it tough for those who are there. They are also unhappy with how management treats them. The unions announced a strike last Wednesday 4th of September that affected important jobs at the airport, like handling luggage and checking in passengers. However, the airport management is surprised by the strike because it was supposed to start on September 19. They feel the unions are not keeping their promise to maintain peace. The airport apologizes to travelers for the inconvenience and says they are willing to talk, but the unions did not respond to their offer for a meeting.
