European Airport Strikes Are Disrupting Flights This Week in Belgium, Germany, and Italy

Belgium: No Departing Flights From Brussels Today

Travel through Brussels is facing major disruption today, March 12. Brussels Airport has confirmed that a nationwide demonstration in Belgium is affecting several key airport services, including security and ground handling. As a result, no departing passenger flights are operating today, and inbound flights are also being impacted.

The disruption extends beyond the airport itself. Public transportation across the region is also affected. Belgian rail operator NMBS/SNCB is experiencing service issues, and De Lijn, which runs buses and trams across Flanders, is operating on a reduced schedule.

If you were scheduled to depart from Brussels today or are connecting through the airport, it’s best to contact your airline as soon as possible to rebook. Don’t wait for the airline to reach out first, as many passengers will be trying to make changes at the same time.

Germany: Lufthansa Pilot Strike Through Tomorrow, March 13

Travel disruption in Germany is expected to last two days. The pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit has called a strike affecting Lufthansa Passage, Lufthansa Cargo, and Lufthansa CityLine, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on March 12 and running through 11:59 p.m. on March 13. The CityLine portion of the strike applies to March 12 only.

The strike is tied to an ongoing labor dispute over pension terms at Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo, along with pay negotiations at CityLine. It was announced with relatively little notice, which means many travelers are now scrambling to adjust plans.

Lufthansa says that more than half of its scheduled flights will still operate during the strike, including roughly 60% of long-haul routes, so it’s important to check your specific flight before assuming it has been canceled.

Passengers holding tickets on Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, or Air Dolomiti that were issued on or before March 10 for Lufthansa-operated flights on March 12 or 13 can rebook free of charge onto another Lufthansa Group flight between March 10 and March 23, or request a full refund.

For some routes, Lufthansa is also offering Deutsche Bahn rail tickets as an alternative. These cover travel within Germany and to nearby cities including Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Vienna, Prague, and Warsaw, among others.

If you’re traveling during this period, check your flight status directly at lufthansa.com and make sure your contact information in your booking is up to date so the airline can notify you of any changes

Italy: Milan Airports Disrupted on March 18

Another round of disruption is expected the following week. On March 18, airport handling workers at Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate are scheduled to strike for 24 hours. The workers involved are from the companies Airport Handling and ALHA, and their walkout could affect ground services and airport operations throughout the day.

At the same time, easyJet flight crews across Italy are planning a strike from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., which could lead to additional delays and cancellations. Brescia Montichiari Airport is also expected to see a separate 24-hour strike from handling staff on the same date.

If you’re flying through Milan on March 18, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on updates from your airline over the next few days. Airlines like easyJet typically start offering rebooking options about 72 hours before a confirmed strike, once schedules are finalized.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Affected

The most important thing right now is not to wait. When strikes disrupt airline schedules, carriers are usually required under European law to offer rebooking or refunds. But alternative flights can fill up quickly, so it’s worth acting sooner rather than later.

A few practical steps can help:

First, check your flight status directly on your airline’s website or app rather than relying on third-party tracking apps, which sometimes lag behind real-time cancellations. If your flight is canceled, you are generally entitled to either a full refund or a rebooking under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, which applies to all flights departing from EU airports, no matter which airline you’re flying.

If you purchased travel insurance with trip interruption coverage, keep receipts for any extra costs such as hotels, meals, or alternative transportation. Those expenses may be reimbursed depending on your policy.

It’s also worth remembering that strike disruptions rarely end neatly when the strike itself does. Rebookings and aircraft repositioning can cause delays for a day or two afterward. If your schedule allows it, moving your trip by even a day or two can sometimes make travel much smoother.

European air travel has had a rocky start to 2026, and this week is another reminder that a little flexibility can go a long way. The few euros saved on a non-refundable ticket often aren’t worth it when plans suddenly change.

If you’re traveling to or through Belgium, Germany, or northern Italy in the coming days, it’s a good idea to leave yourself a bit of extra time and keep a close eye on updates from your airline. Things can shift quickly, and staying informed will make it much easier to adjust if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions: European Airport Strikes March 2026

Are there flights operating from Brussels Airport today, March 12?

No. Brussels Airport has confirmed there are no departing passenger flights on March 12 due to a nationwide demonstration affecting security and ground handling staff. Inbound flights are also impacted.

Which Lufthansa flights are affected by the pilot strike?

The strike covers Lufthansa Passage, Lufthansa Cargo, and Lufthansa CityLine departures from German airports. Lufthansa says more than half of scheduled flights will still operate, including around 60% of long-haul routes. Check your specific flight status at lufthansa.com.

Can I get a refund if my Lufthansa flight is canceled?

Yes. Travelers with tickets issued on or before March 10 for Lufthansa-operated flights on March 12 or 13 can rebook free of charge through March 23 or request a full refund.

What is happening at Milan airports on March 18?

Airport handling workers at Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate are scheduled to strike for 24 hours on March 18. EasyJet crews are also due to strike nationally from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. the same day, with additional disruption possible at Brescia Montichiari Airport.

Am I entitled to compensation if my EU flight is canceled due to a strike?

Under EU regulation EC 261/2004, passengers on flights departing from EU airports are entitled to a full refund or rebooking if their flight is canceled. Compensation payments for strikes are typically not required as strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances, but refunds and rebooking must be offered.

What airlines beyond Lufthansa are affected?

Passengers traveling on Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Air Dolomiti tickets for Lufthansa-operated flights on March 12 and 13 are covered under Lufthansa's rebooking policy. Brussels Airlines is additionally affected by the Belgian strikes today.

Should I still go to the airport if I have a flight today?

Check your flight status online before leaving. If your flight is confirmed as operating, proceed as normal but allow extra time for potential ground transport disruptions, particularly in Belgium. If your flight is canceled, contact your airline directly to rebook.