Flights Disrupted as Brussels Erupts in Massive Public Service Protest

Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Brussels, halting air travel and disrupting public transit in a significant backlash against proposed cuts to social services and changes in pension policies.

 

Tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets of Brussels on Thursday, launching a large-scale protest against the government’s proposed pension reforms and cuts to vital public services. This demonstration led to severe consequences for air travel, resulting in over 400 canceled flights at Brussels Airport, leaving approximately 60,000 passengers stranded.

The strike, which included air traffic controllers, airport security personnel, and ground handlers, was organized as part of a nationwide effort to signal discontent with recent government measures. As a result, all departing and arriving flights were put on hold, with airport officials anticipating an even busier day on Friday as travelers scrambled to reschedule their disrupted itineraries.

According to police estimates, around 60,000 individuals participated in the protests, which extended beyond the airport, severely affecting public transportation throughout the city. While most participants marched peacefully, a subset of demonstrators resorted to throwing debris at law enforcement, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd. The local police condemned these violent acts, emphasizing that they have no place in a peaceful demonstration.

This protest arises in the wake of newly formed coalition government agreements, finalized just last month after a prolonged seven-month negotiation process regarding proposed cuts to social welfare programs. Newly appointed Prime Minister Bart De Wever heads a diverse five-party coalition and has declared an intention to stabilize the nation’s finances, which includes implementing stricter migration policies. The country, like many in Europe, confronts rising pension costs as the population ages, compounded by pressure from the European Union to manage budget deficits effectively.

Recently, Belgium raised the retirement age from 65 to 66, with plans to increase it to 67 for those born in 1960 or later by 2030, although some exemptions will apply. The movement comes in parallel with protests in France against similar measures. Chris Huybrechts, representing workers within the defense sector, expressed widespread frustration with the government's disregard for public sentiment, stating, “The government won’t listen to the people. The working class has to pay more to get less.”