Belgian rail operator SNCB-NMBS International has issued an updated disruption bulletin covering the peak holiday window. From Tuesday 21 July until Wednesday 5 August 2026, ICE and Nightjet services linking Brussels with Cologne and Frankfurt will be diverted between Leuven and Liège because of track works, adding up to 25 minutes to journey times. Separately, EuroCity and EuroCity Direct trains between Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam will run only as far as Breda from 21–24 July, requiring a change to Dutch domestic services. The works overlap with Belgium’s National Day and coincide with summer expatriate travel and corporate relocation moves. Travellers holding through-tickets are automatically rerouted, but seat reservations may not align with earlier departure times out of Germany, increasing the risk of missed connections to Eurostar and Thalys services in Brussels. Companies with employee moves scheduled this week should re-check itineraries and allow extra buffer time for visa appointments at embassies in Brussels’ Schuman district. SNCB says its online journey planner and mobile app already reflect the altered timetables. Customers can claim refunds for delays exceeding 60 minutes under EU Rail Passenger Rights Regulation 2021/782. However, hotel-and-train corporate rate agreements often exclude force-majeure engineering works, so travel managers should verify coverage. The diversions also affect cargo capacity on mixed-use ICE trains, meaning limited space for bikes and oversize luggage—an issue for assignees transporting personal effects. Relocation firms are advising clients to book courier services for non-essential items or shift to road freight during the works period. Looking ahead, SNCB warns of further high-speed line maintenance between Brussels and the French border from 6–23 August, which will impact Eurostar and TGV links. Advance notice allows global mobility teams to stagger arrival dates for new hires and avoid peak disruption periods.
Source: SNCB International
