Brussels Airport Faces Passenger Standstill During Industrial Action, Cargo Sees 3% Uptick in 2025

Passenger Traffic Impacted by Industrial Disruptions

In November 2025, Brussels Airport recorded a nearly flat passenger count with just a 0.1% year-on-year rise, handling approximately 1.76 million travellers. This modest gain masks a significant underlying issue: the airport experienced heavy disruption from a three-day national strike that crippled operations and cast a shadow over air travel demand during the month.

The strike, which occurred on 26 November, led to the cancellation of all departing flights and over half of incoming flights, forcing a notable volume of passengers to abandon their travel plans. This industrial action has had a profound effect throughout the year, with an estimated 275,000 passengers unable to fly due to strike interruptions, translating into an economic loss projected at 175 million euros for the Belgian economy.

Strike Effects on Passenger Flights and Flight Movements

Overall flight movements at the airport decreased by 2.5% in November, with passenger flights down 2% and cargo flights almost 8% lower compared to the previous year. Despite fewer flights, the average number of passengers per flight in November increased slightly to 144, indicating fuller aircraft and possibly more efficient use of available seats.

Cargo Operations Show Resilience and Growth

While passenger traffic stumbled, cargo handled by Brussels Airport demonstrated notable strength. Total cargo volumes increased by 3% in the same timeframe, reaching close to 70,000 tonnes. The growth was particularly strong in flown cargo, which rose by 7%, fuelled by a 10% surge in full freight operations and a 7% uplift in integrator services, the latter covering logistics firms operating express shipping.

In contrast, trucked cargo volumes fell sharply by 18%, highlighting a shift in modal transport preferences or challenges in surface freight forwarding. Asia retained its position as the leading trade partner region for both imports and exports through Brussels Airport, followed by Africa and North America, underscoring the airport’s vital role in international supply chains.

The Broader Impact on the Air Travel and Logistics Industry

Brussels Airport plays a key role in European and global logistics, serving as a critical hub not only for passengers but also for freight. Disruptions caused by labor disputes can ripple through supply chains, affecting delivery timelines, freight forwarding arrangements, and operational costs. For logistics providers and businesses relying on timely air cargo shipment, such disturbances underscore the value of diversified transport options and reliable backup plans.

Summary of Industrial Actions’ Influence

The three-day strike in November was more than a blip on Brussels Airport’s operational radar; it effectively froze passenger growth despite the underlying demand. Yet, against the odds, cargo operations proved to be more robust, with volumes climbing as some freight sectors expanded. This dichotomy illustrates how passenger-focused industries and freight logistics can experience differing levels of vulnerability in disruptions.

What This Means for Logistics and Cargo Shipping

For the logistics sector, this pattern serves as a vivid reminder that while passenger and cargo flights often share infrastructure and airspace, their dynamics can diverge significantly. Cargo operators, especially those utilising full freighters or integrator networks, can navigate through passenger disruptions more flexibly. Still, declines in trunked cargo highlight challenges in trucking that might compound delays and costs on the ground, signaling areas for strategic review in multimodal logistics planning.

Navigating Logistics Challenges with Smart Solutions

Handling freight, bulky goods, or even relocating offices or homes demands a service that is both versatile and dependable — especially when airport disruptions loom large. Platforms like GetTransport.com offer such solutions by providing affordable, global transport options that easily adapt to changing conditions. Whether shipping containers, pallets, furniture, or vehicles, having access to a broad network of movers and freight providers ensures that logistics remain smooth and cost-effective despite external pressures.

The Human Side: Why Experience Matters

No amount of statistical analysis or market insight can fully replace personal experience. The best reviews and most honest feedback give a foundation, but truly understanding a service’s reliability comes from firsthand use. With GetTransport.com, customers worldwide benefit from transparent pricing, ease of booking, and a wide range of transportation choices — enabling savvy decisions without breaking the bank or facing surprises. This gives peace of mind for shipments large and small, from vital parcels to complex international relocations.

Book your transport now and unlock the benefits of convenience, affordability, and extensive options on GetTransport.com.

Spojrzenie w przyszłość: wpływ na globalną logistykę

While the industrial action at Brussels Airport has limited local passenger traffic growth, its effects on the global logistics landscape are somewhat contained. Cargo resilience here is a silver lining, maintaining the steady flow of goods despite turbulence in passenger air travel. As logistics continually adapts to such fluctuations, platforms committed to evolving alongside market needs, like GetTransport.com, will lead the charge in streamlining international freight and shipment handling.

Stay ahead of the curve by planning your next delivery with GetTransport.com — your partner in reliable, cost-effective, and flexible cargo transportation.

Wnioski

In a nutshell, ongoing industrial action at Brussels Airport capped passenger growth in late 2025 but did not derail cargo operations, which managed an encouraging 3% increase in volume. Passenger flight reductions contrasted with strengthened freight movements, revealing divergent trends between the two sectors. This scenario emphasizes the importance of adaptable logistics solutions capable of weathering disruptions.

For shippers, movers, and businesses looking to navigate such complexities smoothly, services provided by GetTransport.com present invaluable advantages. Its global reach, diversified transport modes, and affordability equip users with the tools to secure their freight, shipments, and parcels without fuss, ensuring that vital logistics and forwarding needs are met efficiently.