Wildcat strike at Brussels airport causes delays

Security personnel and firefighters staged a wildcat strike at Brussels International Airport today, causing widespread delays and cancellation of flights.

Geert Sciot from local carrier Brussels Airlines told VRT television that it was delaying all its flights due to safety concerns.

Other airlines were also either delaying or cancelling flights. “It is not responsible to carry out take-offs or landings without firefighter crews. Safety is always the first concern,” Sciot said.

He warned that delays would likely have a snowball effect on most flights out of the airport ahead of what is expected to be a busy travel weekend, as many holidaymakers return from their Easter holiday break.

Several airlines had already cancelled early morning flights after security personnel set up their picket lines outside the airport’s main entrance at 6am (5am Irish time).

The unions said they were staging the action in protest over what they claim is poor treatment from management. Talks between the two sides are under way to try to end the strike, officials said.