TL;DR
Belgian general strikes have repeatedly disrupted Brussels Airport and Charleroi during 2025 and 2026. ATC and airport strikes are 'extraordinary circumstances' under EU261, so cash compensation is not payable, but full refund or rebooking, meals and accommodation remain mandatory.
Last reviewed 3 June 2026
Key facts
- EU Regulation 261/2004 applies to flights departing an EU airport, including UK-bound returns from Brussels.
- Air traffic control and airport-wide strikes are typically classed as 'extraordinary circumstances'. Cash compensation of €250 to €600 is not payable.
- Right to care under EU261 applies regardless of cause: meals, refreshments, and overnight accommodation if needed.
- Right to refund or rebooking applies unconditionally for cancelled flights.
- Multiple strikes hit Brussels Airport (BRU) and Charleroi (CRL) through 2025 and 2026, driven by pension reform protests.
What EU261 says about strike disruption
EU Regulation 261/2004 governs passenger rights when flights are delayed, cancelled or overbooked. It applies to all flights departing an EU airport, and to flights into the EU operated by an EU airline. UK-departing flights to Brussels and Brussels-to-UK return flights are both covered.
The regulation distinguishes between cancellations within the airline's control (where cash compensation is payable) and cancellations caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' beyond the airline's control (where compensation is not payable). The European Court of Justice and national courts have generally classified third-party industrial action, including ATC strikes and airport-wide walkouts, as extraordinary circumstances. Airline-specific strikes by the airline's own staff are not extraordinary.
The right to care, set out in Article 9, applies regardless of the cause. The airline must provide meals and refreshments proportionate to waiting time, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, and transport between the airport and the hotel. Keep receipts where the airline does not provide care directly.
What passengers are entitled to in a Brussels strike
For a cancelled flight, the passenger can choose between:
Full refund of the ticket price (the unused portion) within seven days, plus a return flight to the first point of departure if relevant.
Rebooking on the earliest reasonable alternative, or on a later date of the passenger's choice subject to availability.
For a delayed flight, the passenger has the right to care once the delay reaches:
2 hours for flights under 1,500 km; 3 hours for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km; 4 hours for all other flights.
If a delay reaches 5 hours and the passenger no longer wishes to travel, the passenger can claim a refund and a return flight to origin.
Travel insurance and the Brussels strike pattern
Brussels has experienced multiple general strikes during 2025 and 2026, principally over the federal government's pension reform proposals. Brussels Airport and Charleroi have seen significant cancellations during these events. The pattern affects travel insurance cover in two ways.
Standard UK travel insurance policies typically cover unforeseen strikes that begin after the policy was purchased. Strikes already publicly announced when the policy was bought are usually excluded. Booking insurance immediately at the time of flight booking, rather than waiting, preserves cover for strikes announced later.
Where EU261 entitles the passenger to a refund, the insurance policy normally requires the passenger to claim that first. Insurance covers the gap: non-refundable accommodation, alternative transport, and consequential losses such as missed onward connections on separate tickets.
The Association of British Insurers publishes guidance on disruption cover and the Civil Aviation Authority operates a complaints process for passengers who believe an airline has not honoured EU261.
Advisory: EU261 only applies to flights departing the EU or arriving in the EU on EU airlines. A separate ticket connection on a non-EU carrier from outside the EU is not covered. Book through-tickets where possible to preserve protection.
Related guides
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO ZC135439) as a data controller but is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures and rules are correct at time of publication and may change. Always check the primary source linked below before acting on any information, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Do I get cash compensation if my Brussels flight is cancelled by a strike?
Generally no. ATC strikes and airport-wide strikes are 'extraordinary circumstances' under EU261, so the €250 to €600 cash compensation is not payable. An airline-specific strike by the airline's own staff is treated differently and cash compensation may apply.
What can I claim if my flight is cancelled?
Under EU261 you can choose a full refund or rebooking on the next reasonable alternative. The airline must provide meals, refreshments and accommodation if needed, regardless of the cause.
Does my UK travel insurance cover strike disruption?
Most policies cover strikes that begin after the policy was purchased. Strikes already publicly announced at the time of purchase are typically excluded. Read the policy schedule for the 'disruption' or 'strike' definition.
How long does the airline have to refund me?
Within seven days for an EU261 refund. The refund must be in the same form as the original payment unless the passenger agrees to vouchers.
Where do I complain if the airline does not honour EU261?
Complain to the airline first in writing. If unresolved, escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority via the CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team, or to ADR Aviation, depending on the airline's chosen alternative dispute resolution scheme.
