Brussels: national union demonstration on Friday 9 October 2026 — disruption expected on STIB, De Lijn and TEC

The socialist and Christian unions FGTB/ABVV and CSC/ACV are holding their fourth national demonstration against the federal government's austerity plans in Brussels on Friday 9 October 2026, gathering from 10:00 with speeches at 11:00. Participants are covered by a strike notice, so staff of public transport companies can join without penalty.

What to expect: STIB says its metro, trams and buses are disrupted; the lines that do run operate at reduced frequency, and STIB publishes the list on its site and app. Brussels Airport expects about 140 flights to be cancelled because the ground handler Alyzia, which serves 21 airlines, will be short of staff; Brussels Airlines is cancelling about 40% of its flights, while airlines handled by Aviapartner, such as TUI fly and Ryanair, expect to operate normally. Charleroi Airport says all its flights will operate, although getting to the airport may be difficult. De Lijn runs about 60% of its buses and trams, from 46% in the city of Antwerp to 71% in East Flanders. SNCB has no strike notice for 9 October. On the two previous demonstration days, 12 March and 12 May 2026, both airports were hit much harder.

Three days later, on Monday 12 October, the socialist public-services union CGSP/ACOD holds a separate strike in all public services, which is likely to affect trains, trams and buses again.