Belgian strike to cause travel chaos

THE national strike set to take place in Belgium today is expected to cause major disruption across Belgian air and rail services. Three of the largest trade unions in Belgium have called for a general 24-hour strike in protest against social reforms. Air services will likely be disrupted as the Belgian Pilots Organization (BECA) has called on all airline pilots to participate in the general strike.  This organization denounces what it calls "the incoherent government policies" around the plans and "a totally irresponsible reform project." It has also been confirmed that Belgium's low cost airport, Charleroi, used by airlines such as Ryanair, will be closed. The decision was reportedly made after Belgian unions said they would blockade the main entrance road to the terminal. Some flights to and from Brussels Charleroi Airport may be cancelled and passengers are advised to check its website for information.

Meanwhile no Thalys trains will run on the Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam-Cologne network on Monday and all Eurostar trains due to cross Belgium on Monday will also be cancelled. Eurostar has warned that its services to and from Brussels will be unable to operate from 22h00 CET on 29 January to 22h00 CET on 30 January. Eurostar has recommended that passengers travelling to or from Brussels on Monday 30 January should exchange their tickets for travel before or after. 

Passengers are advised not to travel and to check for updates covering London departures timetabled for late on Sunday evening. Tuesday's services are expected to run normally.