Brussels Airport to cancel flights amid labor strike on Nov. 9

BRUSSELS

Brussels Airport announced on Thursday that it will cancel several flights on Nov. 9 due to a general strike over rising energy prices and the high cost of living in the country.

In a written statement, the airport said it would cancel or reschedule the flights next Wednesday "to avoid long waiting times and delays" amid the planned strike by trade unions across the country.

Around 40% of the flights have been canceled as the strike is expected to severely disrupt transportation, it added.

Airlines are to inform passengers of the affected flights, said the statement, with airport authorities urging passengers traveling on that day to only bring hand luggage.

Belgian unions demand legislative changes to help respond to the surging living costs, including a ceiling price for gas and electricity, as well as better wages.

Natural gas prices in the country rose in October by 130.6%, as did electricity prices by 84.7%, compared to a year ago, according to official data that the Belgian statistical office Statbel released last week.

Inflation in the country has reached 12.27%, the highest measured since 1975.