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Nationwide strikes and protests over Belgium’s reform plans have disrupted operations at two major airports, causing problems with flights. public transport On Tuesday, police used tear gas and water cannon to try to disperse the crowd, according to the Associated Press.
Small scuffles broke out between police and demonstrators, some of whom played drums and horns and fired flares and flares while chanting against cuts to social welfare programs. Unusually large-scale protests paralyze traffic in the city center capital of belgiumblock major roads. Many flights were canceled due to the strike.
Organizers estimate more than 150,000 people took part in the demonstration, while police estimate the crowd at 80,000.
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Police vehicles were also seen chasing protesters. Police officers, not wearing uniforms but identified by red armbands, restrained protesters by tying their hands with plastic bands.
At one point, police officers on bicycles took refuge inside a hotel from a large group of protesters.
Belgium’s nationwide strike over reform plans drew more than 80,000 protesters to Brussels, causing widespread chaos at the airport and blocking major roads. (AP Photo/Sylvain Plagie)
According to Reuters, protesters are demonstrating throughout the center of Brussels between Gare du Nord and Gare du Sud.
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The protest was organized by Belgium’s three largest trade associations.
as demonstrators Busy roads were blocked and about 25 people were detained by police for setting fires on Brussels’s most populous thoroughfares, Reuters reported.
“Unfortunately, we anticipate significant disruption to airport operations.”
of brussels airport has warned on flyers that outgoing passenger flights may be cancelled.
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“Due to national industrial action involving security service provider staff on Tuesday 14 October, we unfortunately anticipate significant disruption to airport operations on that day,” the airport said in a statement on its website.
Brussels Airport (pictured) warned on a leaflet that outgoing passenger flights could be canceled due to protests and strikes. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Total 23.6 in 2024 passengers who traveled Via Brussels Airport, according to the website.
Charleroi Airport, the European country’s second-largest airport, also canceled flights due to staff shortages.
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According to Reuters, Brussels Airport is in talks with airlines to persuade them not to operate flights departing on Tuesday.
Demonstrators block major roads in Brussels, Belgium. (AP Photo/Harry Nakos)
“Due to the cancellation of departing passenger flights, there is a possibility that some arriving flights may also be cancelled,” the airport said.
major airlines brussels airlines Heeding the call, he wrote, “We will be forced to cancel all departures and a significant number of arrivals for the day.”
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The airport said Wednesday was expected to be a “busy day.”
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting.
