Europe braces for major transport chaos amid Belgian and Italian strikes

Belgium’s November 26 Shutdown

Belgium will be the first to halt much of daily life as unions prepare a sweeping national strike on Wednesday, November 26. The action is part of a broader multi-day campaign protesting federal budget cuts and pension reforms.

The most dramatic impact will be at Brussels Airport, which has already announced that all departing flights on November 26 will be canceled due to a lack of ground handling and security staff.

Brussels South-Charleroi Airport expects similar shutdowns, with no arrivals or departures possible throughout the day.

Rail travel is also set to be severely affected, following a 72-hour rail strike earlier in the week that has already slowed mobility nationwide. Urban transit systems in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and other major cities will operate only limited service, if any.

Union leaders argue that the government’s austerity-driven approach is eroding Belgium’s social protections at a pivotal time. The strike aims to pressure officials to reverse pension penalties, address wage stagnation, and rethink elements of the federal spending plan.

Italy’s November 28 Transport Walkout

Just two days later, Italy will stage its own transport strike on Friday, November 28. Unions are calling for a full 24-hour national stoppage across railways, airports, highways, and local public transit.

The action will begin the previous evening for many sectors. Rail workers will walk off the job from 9 p.m. on November 27 until 9 p.m. on the 28th, affecting regional services along with high-speed operators such as Trenitalia and Italo. Only a limited number of legally protected “guaranteed trains” will run during morning and evening peak hours.

Airports are also bracing for turbulence as ground handlers and airport operations staff join the strike, a move that could force airlines to cancel or consolidate flights at major hubs including Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Linate, Venice, Florence, and Naples.

Highway toll-booth employees and roadside assistance workers will walk out for 24 hours as well, raising the likelihood of bottlenecks on Italy’s major motorways.

Italian unions say the strike is aimed at challenging proposed 2026 budget measures, demanding wage increases in line with inflation, and pushing for earlier retirement options. They describe the day of action as a necessary escalation to force the government back to negotiations.