Belgium's Charleroi Airport, a key hub for budget carriers, particularly Ryanair, is experiencing its second consecutive day of flight cancellations due to an employee strike. The labor action, which began as an unplanned walkout, has resulted in the grounding of all flights scheduled for today, September 13, 2024.
Airport authorities have issued a statement advising passengers to avoid coming to the airport and instead contact their respective airlines for further information. The strike has significantly impacted operations, with at least 87 flights originally slated for departure today. Six of these flights have been redirected to Brussels Airport, located approximately 70 km north of Charleroi.
The ongoing dispute centers around employee working conditions, with unions and airport management engaged in negotiations for several months. The strike action, which unions had initially announced plans for last week, unexpectedly began yesterday as a wildcat strike.
Charleroi Airport, also known as Brussels South Charleroi Airport, has been a crucial base for low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair, which established its first continental European base there in 2001. The airport has seen significant growth over the past two decades, handling over 8 million passengers in 2019 before the pandemic impact.
The current strike highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Charleroi Airport, originally constructed as a military airfield during World War II, has become Belgium's second busiest airport and plays a vital role in the country's air transport infrastructure.
As negotiations continue, the airport's plans for expansion to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually may face scrutiny. The strike also brings attention to the ongoing debates surrounding state aid and subsidies for regional airports, an issue that has previously led to European Commission investigations involving Charleroi Airport.
Passengers with flights scheduled through Charleroi in the coming days are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and maintain contact with their airlines for the latest updates.