Charleroi Airport air traffic controller strikes

Air traffic controllers at Charleroi Airport in Belgium initiated a series of 24 overnight strikes on September 16, scheduled to run through October 10. The industrial action, occurring nightly between 22:00 and 08:00, is driven by disputes over night-shift compensation. Workers are seeking pay parity with colleagues at Liège Airport.

Initial estimates from the air navigation service provider, Skeyes, suggested that up to 832 flights could be affected, with potential disruptions to 15% to 20% of daily activity. As of September 21, the strike resulted in the cancellation of 34 flights and the rescheduling of 21 others. Disruptions have significantly impacted routes connecting Belgium to Spain, specifically affecting Ryanair connections between Brussels-Charleroi and Santander, as well as flights to Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga.

In response to the conflict, Skeyes submitted a proposal to unions to end the strikes and resume social dialogue. The offer includes a structural gross salary increase of 10,000 euros per year per controller starting in October 2028, alongside four bonuses linked to the implementation of new digital tower technology. While federal authorities noted the dispute falls under regional jurisdiction, regional ministers have called for the resumption of negotiations. Unions have not yet accepted the offer, which they currently consider insufficient.