The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice
British citizens travelling to Belgium are being advised to follow local news carefully(Image: Marti Rossello Garrido via Getty Images)
UK tourists and other travellers have been issued an urgent warning over impending strike action that could spark major travel disruption – including possible eleventh-hour flight cancellations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance for Belgium, cautioning that a nationwide strike set for May 12 is likely to cause significant chaos across public transport and may affect other public services. Holidaymakers have been urged to prepare for badly impacted international flights, with cancellations potentially occurring at the last minute, while a major protest is also due to take place in central Brussels on the same date.
However, the extent of the disruption could be far more extensive. The May 12 industrial action in Belgium is anticipated to be a comprehensive nationwide general strike, which means numerous sectors are set to come to a standstill simultaneously.
If previous walkouts are anything to go by, rail services throughout the country could be reduced to a minimal timetable or suspended completely, while metro, tram and bus services in Brussels face substantial disruption.
Air travellers are particularly at risk. Belgian strikes frequently involve security personnel, baggage handlers and ground staff, increasing the likelihood that flights from major airports such as Brussels Airport could be cancelled altogether rather than merely postponed.
Schools, local authorities and other areas of the public sector may also be compelled to shut or operate with reduced capacity. The most recent warning arrives amid ongoing industrial turbulence in Belgium, with numerous general strikes already impacting the nation throughout the previous year. Industrial action occurred on March 31, April 29, October 14, November 26 and December 15 in 2025, with additional disruption on March 12 this year.
These strikes are usually organised by Belgium’s influential trade unions and stem from disagreements regarding wages, pensions and employment conditions, which means the disruption frequently extends far beyond a single sector.
Authorities cautioned that strike action remains an “ongoing issue” and can be called with minimal warning – increasing the likelihood of unexpected disruption for those travelling.
The FCDO stated: “A national strike is planned for 12 May. This is expected to cause severe travel disruption across public transport and may affect wider public services, including schools. International flights are likely to be heavily affected, with potential cancellations at short notice.”
British citizens travelling to Belgium are being advised to follow local news carefully and verify arrangements with airlines and travel companies before departing.
The department also provided a wider reminder that no journey can be guaranteed safe, encouraging holidaymakers to confirm they have suitable travel insurance covering disruption, delays and emergency expenses.
