Air traffic controllers are joining a national strike to protest Belgium’s budget reform.
BRUSSELS — All commercial flights to and from Belgium on Thursday have been canceled as air traffic controllers plan to join a nationwide strike against the new government.
The controllers’ walkout will begin at 6:45 a.m. and lasts until 10:15 p.m., public broadcaster RTBF reported, halting all air traffic below 7,500 meters at Brussels, Charleroi, Liège, Antwerp and Ostend airports.
The cancelation of all departing flights from Brussels and Charleroi was announced on Monday due to a planned walkout by baggage handling and security staff.
The ACV Transcom union later announced that air traffic controllers would also protest in solidarity with other workers most affected by the Belgian government’s new plan to cut costs in public services, including a pension reform.
Rescue and medical flights will continue operating during the strike.
