Major European airport cancels dozens of flights over strikes - thousands affected

Major European airport cancels dozens of flights over strikes - thousands affected A total of 32 flights due to depart from and arrive at Brussels South Charleroi Airport near Brussels, Belgium, have been cancelled due to air traffic control strike action Dozens of flights have been cancelled at a major European airport due to strike action. Sixteen flights due to depart Brussels South Charleroi Airport near Brussels, Belgium, this afternoon and evening have been cancelled. Another 16 flights which were due to arrive at the airport during those times will also no longer take off. More disruption could be on the way as the airport has warned these figures, published at 9am today, are subject to change. A statement from the airport reads: "We are monitoring the situation very closely and sharing verified general information through our official channels. "For information regarding your specific flight, we encourage you to regularly check the communications from your airline. We share our passengers' frustration and hope that the social conflict at Skeyes will be resolved quickly." The disruption comes as employees at Skeyes - the company responsible for air traffic control in Belgium - are involved in an ongoing dispute over night shift bonuses since September 16. Workers have warned that strike action could continue until October 10, affecting operations between 10pm and 8am each day, the Brussels Times reports. A total of about 160 flights have so far been cancelled by the strike action, prompting Skeyes to propose an offer of an additional structural payment of €10,000 gross per year for each air traffic controller. Today's cancelled flights include holiday destinations such as Malaga and Tenerife but also a Ryanair flight to Manchester at 7.40pm. Arrivals scheduled for this afternoon and evening from places including Warsaw and Milan have also been cancelled. A Ryanair flight from Manchester, which was due to take off at 10.55pm, is also affected. Most flights impacted by the strike action are Ryanair, with some WizzAir and Pegasus also affected. A statement from the airport reads: "We understand how unpleasant and uncertain this situation can be for travellers. "The airport continues to provide general updates as soon as new information becomes available, but only your airline can provide the most up-to-date information regarding your specific flight. The strike action at Skeyes is related to an ongoing social dispute in which Brussels South Charleroi Airport is not involved. "As an airport, we have no influence over its progress or outcome. We hope that a solution will be found very quickly, in the interest of all travellers."