Strike paralyses Zaventem

13 April 2007

BRUSSELS – The spontaneous strike by fire fighters and some of the security personnel at Brussels Airport this morning has stopped all air traffic to and from the airport. The chaos is all the greater since many are trying to return from their Easter holidays.

The airport has been officially closed until 1 pm. No flights will be landing or taking off until that time.

“The strike has closed off access to the airport for normal passenger traffic,” says Jan Van der Cruysse of Brussels Airport. “Only smaller business flights are taking place.”

All departing flights have either been cancelled or delayed, says Van der Cruysse.

“A few flights were able to land this morning because the fire brigade provided minimum service,” says spokesperson for Brussels Airlines Geert Sciot.

“We are continuing to check in passengers so that they can leave as soon as possible if the social conflict is resolved.” Brussels Airlines passengers can rebook flights or be compensated for their ticket price.

Brussels Airport advises travellers to contact their airlines.

Subject: Belgian news