Air-traffic-controller strike threat at Charleroi Airport raises fresh disruption fears

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) confirmed on 14 September that air-traffic controllers at state provider Skeyes have filed a new strike notice, citing workload and staffing grievances. Although exact dates and minimum-service levels are still being negotiated, BSCA warned that the walk-out could severely disrupt the low-cost hub that handles more than eight million passengers a year. The strike threat comes at the tail-end of the busy summer season, when many Belgian SMEs rely on Charleroi’s Ryanair network for cost-effective connections to Southern Europe. A similar work stoppage in June forced the cancellation of 180 flights and cost local businesses an estimated €3 million in rebooking fees and lost productivity. Airport management is urging Skeyes and unions to reach a “durable solution” and says it will issue real-time updates through its website and social media. Airlines will directly inform passengers of cancellations or slot changes once the strike schedule is confirmed. For corporate mobility planners the advice is clear: monitor labour-relations bulletins, build extra slack into itineraries, and have contingency plans—such as rerouting through Brussels Airport or Lille—for urgent travel. Companies with expatriate staff in Wallonia should remind employees to verify flight status before setting out for the airport. Longer-term, the episode underscores Belgium’s vulnerability to labour unrest in critical infrastructure and may accelerate discussions on a national minimum-service law for air navigation services.