Air traffic controllers at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) began a night strike on Wednesday evening, September 16, 2026. For 24 consecutive nights, from 22:00 to 08:00, operations will be suspended. According to estimates, 832 aircraft movements and up to 300,000 passengers could be affected by October 10. Here is what you need to know if you have a scheduled flight.

(Staff: Belgium / Transport & Travel)

Charleroi Airport, one of the busiest bases for low-cost airlines in Belgium, is facing a month of major disruption. Air traffic controllers at Skeyes, the Belgian air navigation service provider, launched a series of night strikes at 22:00 every night through October 10 inclusive. The action follows the failure of negotiations over night premiums and the conditions for the transition to the new digital control towers in Namur.

Impact figures: 832 flights, up to 300,000 passengers

According to data provided by Skeyes and reported by the Belgian press, the disruption will affect approximately 832 aircraft movements over the entire period: 487 morning flights and 345 night flights. Estimates vary regarding the number of passengers affected. Airport officials estimate that up to 300,000 passengers could be affected over the course of the strike, which would mean more than 5,500 travellers per day. Other sources, including the unions, put the figure at 150,000 affected passengers, or approximately 6,250 per day.

Why are daytime flights also affected?

Although the strike takes place only at night, its effects can extend throughout the day. Aircraft that are supposed to land at Charleroi in the evening cannot return, leaving crews and aircraft out of position for the first flights of the morning. It is a domino effect that disrupts airline rotations and can generate cancellations or delays well beyond the strike period. On Thursday, the first day of the action, approximately 40 flights were already affected, with cancellation lists including destinations such as Bucharest, Valencia, Barcelona and Budapest.

The conflict behind the strike

The dispute centres on the night premium. Skeyes management says the current compensation already exceeds €1,000 per night shift and considers the employees’ request to increase it to 160% of the current level unreasonable, given that the airport is officially closed at night. The unions, however, argue that night traffic still takes place under an agreement between the airport and Ryanair, allowing aircraft based at Charleroi to land late. Dissatisfaction is also linked to the transition to digital control towers in Namur, a change that has generated tension and uncertainty among staff.

What rights do you have if your flight is affected?

There is an important nuance here. If your flight is cancelled or delayed because of this strike, you are unlikely to receive the monetary compensation provided for under European Regulation EC 261/2004. The reason is that an air traffic controllers’ strike is generally considered an extraordinary circumstance outside the airline’s control.

However, you have the right to:

• Reimbursement of the ticket cost or
• Rebooking on an alternative flight at no additional cost.
• The airline must also provide assistance (meals, drinks and accommodation if necessary) if the wait is prolonged.

Practical tips for travellers

1. Check your flight status directly with the airline, both before leaving for the airport and on the day of travel.
2. Avoid, if possible, night flights or the first morning flights between September 16 and October 10. A midday flight is more likely to operate normally.
3. If you have a flexible booking, consider rebooking for another date.
4. Keep all documents (tickets, boarding passes and receipts for additional expenses) so you can request reimbursement or assistance.
5. Follow the official announcements from the airport and airline.

Conclusion

The air traffic controllers’ strike at Charleroi is causing significant disruption for travellers in Belgium, at a time when the airport is already under increased pressure. With 832 flights and up to 300,000 potentially affected passengers, the disruption could be substantial. Even if monetary compensation is unlikely, rights to reimbursement, rebooking and assistance remain applicable. Regularly checking information and remaining flexible when planning your journey can help you deal with the situation.