Manchester Airport strike: Brussels flights cancelled 9 October 2026

Latest on Manchester Airport strike flights cancelled 9 October 2026: flights have been cancelled at Brussels Airport on Friday 9 October, according to an updated Foreign Office travel advisory reported by Travel Weekly on Thursday 8 October. Brussels Airlines has confirmed that an unspecified part of its flight schedule is cancelled that day.

Neither the Foreign Office nor Brussels Airlines names the Manchester services. Earlier reports on four Brussels Airlines flights to and from Manchester differ, so passengers should check their own booking rather than rely on a flight list.

What the Foreign Office and Brussels Airlines have said

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “A large-scale demonstration is planned on Friday 9 October and a strike on Monday 12 October. This will affect public transport and other public services. Flights have been cancelled at Brussels Airport on 9 October.” It added that the demonstration will take place in central Brussels, and told travellers to check with their travel operator for the latest updates.

According to Travel Weekly, Brussels Airlines confirmed that an unspecified part of its schedule had been cancelled because of the expected impact on the workforce at its handling partner. Local reports cited by Travel Weekly suggest around 40% of the airline’s flights will be affected, among 140 grounded services at the airport. Travel Weekly said the days of action are in protest against expected government budget cuts.

Brussels Airport has told travellers to check its website for the latest information. It has also said that its site will list cancellations only once the airline has registered them.

Which flights are at risk at Manchester Airport this week

Chronicle Live, citing the Express, reports that Brussels Airlines services from Brussels to Manchester at 10am and 9.30pm, and from Manchester to Brussels at 8.30am and 1.30pm, have been cancelled. The Manchester Evening News describes the same four flights as ones that could be impacted. The Foreign Office advisory and the Brussels Airlines statement do not name any route, so the status of these flights is not confirmed by a primary source.

Chronicle Live also lists Brussels Airlines flights to Heathrow at 4.55pm and from Heathrow at 8pm, with services to and from Paris, Budapest, Madrid and Chicago caught up in the disruption. The Manchester Evening News says flights between Brussels and London, Paris and Chicago are set to be impacted.

Why European airline strikes in October 2026 are reaching Manchester

The action is not by airline staff. Brussels Airport said part of the workforce of ground handler Alyzia is expected to take part in the national demonstration on Friday 9 October. It said: “Based on the current information approximately half of the flights handled by Alyzia are expected to operate as planned. Unfortunately, a number of flights will have to be cancelled.”

According to Chronicle Live, Alyzia handles baggage, ramp operations, de-icing, aircraft cleaning and cargo for about 20 airlines at Brussels. Alongside Brussels Airlines, it names ITA Airways, Air Arabia and United Airlines as affected. British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air are reported as unaffected because a separate firm handles their ground operations.

Brussels Airlines said its own staff are not taking part. It added: “We regret that this is already the third time this year that our flight schedule has been seriously disrupted by industrial action taken by external parties.”

Your rights if your flight is cancelled

Chronicle Live reports that strike cancellations are classed as “extraordinary circumstances”, outside the airline’s control, so passengers are not entitled to compensation. Airlines must still rebook or refund affected flights free of charge, and provide food, drink and accommodation where necessary.

Brussels Airlines said it will email affected passengers with instructions. You can also check your reservation through “My Bookings” on its website, its chat assistant or your travel agent. If you are booked on one of the four Manchester flights and have heard nothing, check the booking page before you leave home, because an airport website that does not yet show a cancellation may simply be waiting for the airline to register it.

What happens next

The timeline is short. On Thursday 8 October, passengers booked with Brussels Airlines should check their email and booking page. On Friday 9 October, the demonstration takes place in central Brussels and the Alyzia action is expected to affect flights. On Monday 12 October, a further strike is planned.

The Foreign Office says that Monday’s action will affect public transport and other public services. Brussels Airport said it is not expected to affect flights, noting: “It will, based on current information, have no impact on air traffic. However, disruptions to public transport are expected.” Anyone travelling to or from Brussels Airport that day should plan the journey and allow extra time.

For Manchester passengers, the practical steps are to confirm the status of your flight with the airline, accept a refund or new date if offered, and keep receipts if you need to pay for food or a hotel. The Foreign Office warns that strike action may be announced at short notice, so keep checking until you have travelled.

Your questions answered

Will airport strikes affect my flight?

Only if you are flying with an airline that uses Alyzia at Brussels on Friday 9 October. The Manchester flights reported as affected are Brussels Airlines services, and flights by other airlines are reported as running. Brussels Airlines has not published which flights are cancelled, so check your booking directly.

Are there any airline strikes scheduled for 2026?

The sources describe two Belgian dates in October 2026, Friday 9 October and Monday 12 October. The Foreign Office lists general strikes in Belgium on 31 March, 29 April, 14 October, 26 November and 15 December 2025, and on 12 March and 12 May 2026. It says further action may be announced at short notice.

Why are so many flights being cancelled?

Ground handling staff are expected to join a national demonstration, and Brussels Airport says only about half of Alyzia-handled flights are expected to operate. Without baggage and ramp crews, the airlines it serves cannot run their full schedule.