Belgian unions call national strike/demonstration for 12 May 2026

A National Day of Action has been called by Belgium's three main union confederations (CSC/ACV, FGTB/ABVV, and CGSLB/ACLVB) for Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The action is part of an ongoing campaign against the Arizona coalition government's social and pension reforms and falling purchasing power. A 24-hour strike notice covers multiple sectors nationwide, with a major demonstration in Brussels.

🛫 Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Brussels South Charleroi Airport has announced a total closure for Tuesday, 12 May 2026. No flights — neither departures nor arrivals — will be handled during the 24-hour period.

• Status: 100% of scheduled flights cancelled.
• Advice: Do not travel to the airport. Check the official Charleroi Airport notice and contact your airline for rebooking or refund options.

🛫 Brussels Airport (BRU)

Brussels Airport has confirmed that many departing and arriving flights will be cancelled or delayed on 12 May 2026 due to the national strike. The airport remains technically open, but significant disruption is expected throughout the day.

• Advice: Passengers must contact their airline before travelling. Check the official Brussels Airport operations page for the latest status.

🚇 STIB/MIVB — Brussels Public Transport

STIB/MIVB warns of severe disruptions to metro, tram and bus services in Brussels on 12 May 2026.

• Expected impact: reduced timetables and service interruptions throughout the day; some lines may not run at all.
• Advice: Plan for alternatives. See the STIB/MIVB strike page for live updates.

🚌 De Lijn — Flanders

De Lijn has announced that bus and tram service will be reduced across Flanders on 12 May 2026 as drivers join the national day of action.

• Expected impact: cancellations and reduced frequencies on most lines.
• Advice: Check the De Lijn strike notice page for line-by-line status.

🚆 SNCB/NMBS — National Trains

By contrast, no strike notice has been submitted to SNCB-NMBS for Tuesday, 12 May 2026. National train services are expected to operate as normal.

• Advice: This is subject to last-minute change. Confirm before travelling on the official SNCB strike information page.

Recommendations

• Travelers flying from Brussels or Charleroi: Contact your airline immediately. Charleroi flights are fully cancelled; Brussels flights face widespread disruption.
• Commuters in Brussels and Flanders: Avoid public transport where possible — STIB and De Lijn networks will be heavily disrupted. Plan for alternatives or work from home.
• Train travellers: SNCB/NMBS is not affected at this stage, but always check the official website before departure in case of last-minute notices.
• Travelers driving into Brussels: Expect significant road closures around the city center for the demonstration.