U.S. Citizens Warned Over Popular Airport Cancelling All Flights
With the busy holiday season underway, airports and airlines are trying to avoid disasters.
Unfortunately, we are already starting to see flight disruption issues from major airports. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has cancelled several flights in recent days. On Monday, the airport recorded 648 departure delays and 526 arrival delays.
These issues were all sparked by weather issues.
Over a thousand delays took place for American Airlines as a result. The carrier continues to face disruptions because of weather setbacks.
Another major international airport is set to face a setback of its own. Though this time, it isn’t related to the weather.
Earlier in the year, we saw Air Canada strand passengers due to a strike.
This time, a strike in Belgium is causing widespread disruptions across several modes of transportation, including Brussels Airport.
Here’s a closer look at what the U.S. Embassy in Belgium has said about Americans who plan to visit Brussels or are currently in the area.
The U.S. Embassy In Belgium Is Warning Citizens Over An Entire Day Of Cancellations At Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport has become increasingly busy over the years. In December 2024, the airport saw a major spike with 15,609 flight movements. This was a major increase compared to December 2023 of 8%.
The number of flights at the airport varies by season, but in 2024 there were 23.6 million passengers.
Despite its healthy growth, the airport has experienced setbacks. Flight cancellations have occurred in the past. Another upcoming strike is set to affect not only flights but also other modes of transportation.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgium has issued a warning to U.S. citizens in Belgium that plan on visiting or are currently in the country.
The advisory warns, “Planned Strikes (Nov. 24-26): A series of strikes in Belgium will impact public transportation and airports during Thanksgiving week: November 24: Rail worker strike begins November 25: Public service worker strike expands November 26: National labor strike begins.”
Brussels Airport confirmed in a statement on X that it will in fact cancel all flights due to safety reasons.
“Due to the national industrial action on Wednesday, November 26, in which the staff of the security and handling service provider is participating, we unfortunately expect major disruptions to our airport operations on that day.”
“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing flights on 26 November.”
The airport added that it will contact affected passengers directly to inform them of their options.
The airport includes major international airlines that will be affected by the upcoming cancellations on Thursday.
The Airlines Affected By The Strike In Belgium
American Airlines used to have flights at Brussels Airport. However, the airport now has several major international commercial carriers, including Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet, and, of course, Brussels Airlines.
It has been a popular hub for low-cost airlines, heavily relied on for its direct service to Belgium’s capital.
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Destinations Offered At Brussels Airport: |
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Glasgow |
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Manchester |
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Edinburgh |
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Heathrow |
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Stansted |
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Luton |
The U.S. Embassy in Belgium is encouraging Americans to regularly check airline or transportation websites for possible schedule changes throughout the week.
The U.S. Department of State also has its own set of advisories for travel to Belgium.
What The U.S. Department Of State Has Said About Travel To Belgium
At the moment, Belgium is under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, issued by the U.S. Department of State. American travelers are asked to exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism.
The Department of State wrote in its advisory, “There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.”
Threats of terrorism may take place at:
- Tourist locations
- Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit)
- Markets and shopping malls
- Local government buildings
- Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Parks
- Major sporting, music, and cultural events
- Schools
- Public areas
Travelers are asked to always stay alert in tourist locations.
Despite the travel advisory, Belgium continues to see a healthy tourism increase. In July, Belgium saw a tourism rise of 2.6%.
This year, Belgium’s travel and tourism market is aiming for $9.44 billion in revenue, according to Statista.
Even with the travel spike, tourists should exercise caution for possible delays and cancellations not only this week but also throughout the remainder of the year.
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