Large-scale actions in Belgium will disrupt air traffic, public transport, but also many other services on Wednesday. Unions have called for a nationwide strike. The work stoppages are a protest against high energy prices and falling purchasing power. In several Belgian cities, rallies and demonstrations are planned throughout the day.
Brussels Airport has cancelled more than 200 flights and advises passengers to check in early. Travelers are advised not to take checked baggage with them. Airline TUI fly has moved several flights to airports outside Belgium, including to Cologne and Maastricht. In addition, shuttle buses are made available to travelers.
The trains are expected to run at all or with reduced capacity in the various Belgian provinces on Wednesday. Public transport will also be affected throughout the country. The Brussels metro company STIB warns customers on social media about disruptions. In Flanders, according to public transport company De Lijn, an average of 55 percent of buses and trams will run. The biggest hurdle is expected to be in Antwerp.
There are also many problems on the network of the Walloon public transport company TEC. In Charleroi, bus and tram traffic has been completely paralyzed, reports TEC. In the Liège-Verviers region, most lines do not run. Also in Namur-Luxembourg, several routes have been deleted and in Hainaut, according to TEC, the network has been severely disrupted.
The staff of private hospitals in Brussels and Wallonia are also expected to participate in the strikes. Urgent and essential treatment will be provided. Many other appointments are postponed.
The actions in Belgium do not stand alone. In Germany, France and Spain, for example, high energy prices and rising living costs have already led to strikes and protests this month.
Action will also be taken in Greece on Wednesday. There, workers began nationwide strikes, with which the unions want to strengthen their demands for substantial wage increases. Among other things, there will be a strike on buses, subways, trains, taxis and ferries. On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that flights were also canceled because air traffic controllers in the country want to join the protest.
