Charleroi Airport air traffic controllers begin overnight strikes

Air traffic controllers at Charleroi Airport in Belgium have launched a series of 24 overnight strikes, scheduled to occur between September 16 and October 10. The industrial action, driven by disputes over night-shift compensation, is set to take place nightly from 22:00 to 08:00.

Skeyes, the Belgian air navigation service provider, estimates that approximately 832 flights could be affected by the disruptions. Operational impacts include flight cancellations and delays, particularly affecting morning services due to the overnight nature of the work stoppages. Airport officials report that the strikes could impact between 15% and 20% of daily activity, representing a significant financial loss.

Federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke has stated that the core dispute falls outside his administrative jurisdiction, noting that service enhancements requested by the Walloon Region are the responsibility of regional authorities. Meanwhile, Walloon Airports Minister Cécile Neven has called for the resumption of social negotiations following the collapse of previous conciliation efforts.