Belgian controllers' strike leads to cancelled flights

Aer Lingus has cancelled two flights between Dublin and Brussels today due to an air traffic controllers’ strike in Belgium.

The airline said flights EI 638 from Dublin to Brussels at 5.50pm and EI 639 from Brussels to Dublin at 9pm have been affected.

The airline apologised for the inconvenience to customers.

Meanwhile Ryanair has cancelled all flights to and from Charleroi airport from 3pm today until 3 pm tomorrow.

Earlier today the budget airline called on the EU Commission to take action against strikes by European air traffic controllers.

Today's 24-hour stoppage by Belgian ATCs is in addition to a Spanish ATC strike tomorrow and a French ATC strike last Thursday.

"Yet again Europe’s passengers and airlines have their travel plans cancelled or disrupted while the EU Commission stands by doing nothing," Ryanair said in a statement.

"It is ridiculous that Belgian ATC controllers can strike for 24 hours with no notice whatsoever, thereby causing maximum disruption and suffering to air passengers," said Stephen McNamara of Ryanair.

“How many more times will Europe’s skies be closed before the European Commission finally takes some action to end this recurring ATC chaos?"