Commercial Aviation
Brussels Airport Cancels Over 100 Incoming Flights Amid Nationwide Strike
Brussels Airport cancels 110 incoming flights and all departures on Nov 26 during Belgium’s nationwide strike, impacting air and ground transport.
We are witnessing significant disruptions in European air travel this week as Brussels Airport confirms the cancellation of 110 incoming flights scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 2025. This announcement marks a substantial escalation in the operational impact of the ongoing nationwide strike in Belgium. The cancellations are in addition to the previously announced suspension of all departing passenger flights, effectively bringing the country’s main international hub to a near-standstill.
The decision to scale back arrival operations follows a comprehensive assessment of available staffing levels. With a general strike organized by major trade unions gripping the nation, the airport authority determined that it could not guarantee the necessary security and ground-handling services required to safely process the full volume of scheduled traffic. Consequently, travelers attempting to enter Belgium through its capital now face uncertainty comparable to those trying to leave.
This logistical bottleneck is not an isolated incident but the culmination of a three-day industrial action protesting government austerity measures. As the strike reaches its peak on Wednesday, the repercussions are being felt across the entire Belgian transport network, affecting not just aviation but rail and bus services as well. We advise all passengers to exercise extreme caution and verify their travel arrangements immediately.
The scale of the disruption at Brussels Airport is extensive. According to confirmed reports, the airport originally scheduled 203 incoming flights for Wednesday. The cancellation of 110 of these flights means that less than half of the expected arrivals will operate. While 93 incoming flights remain on the schedule, airport officials have warned that these operations are subject to potential delays or last-minute changes depending on real-time staffing availability.
The situation for departing passengers is even more severe. Prior to the announcement regarding arrivals, the airport had already taken the decision to cancel all departing passenger flights for the same day. This affects approximately 206 scheduled departures. The rationale behind this total grounding of outbound traffic lies in the security screening process; without sufficient security personnel participating in the strike, the airport cannot legally or safely screen passengers and their luggage.
The combined effect of these cancellations results in a day where the airport will see zero passenger departures and a drastically reduced capacity for arrivals. This operational freeze is driven by a shortage of essential staff across various critical sectors, including security agents and baggage handlers, who are adhering to the strike call.
“Brussels Airport will cancel 110 of the 203 incoming flights on Wednesday, in addition to the departing flights already scrapped due to a nationwide strike.”
To understand the severity of these flight cancellations, we must look at the broader context of the industrial action. The disruptions on November 26 are part of a general nationwide strike organized by Belgium’s primary trade unions, including ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV, and CGSLB-ACLVB. This specific date was designated as the focal point of a three-day protest, expected to generate the most severe impact across all economic sectors.
The unions are mobilizing against a suite of austerity measures proposed by the federal government, led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The contention centers on reforms to labor laws, changes to the unemployment benefit structure, and adjustments to the pension system. The government argues that these budget cuts and reforms are essential to reduce the national deficit and ensure compliance with European Union fiscal regulations. Conversely, the unions maintain that these measures unfairly target the workforce and erode social protections. This political standoff has spilled over into critical infrastructure, with the aviation sector becoming a highly visible casualty. The inability to staff security checkpoints and ground operations at the airport is a direct result of the high participation rates in the strike action among these specific labor groups.
The impact of the strike extends beyond Brussels Airport (BRU). Travelers should be aware that Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA), a major hub for low-cost carriers, has announced a complete closure for Wednesday. Charleroi will see no departures and no arrivals, signaling a total shutdown of commercial aviation at Belgium’s second-largest airport. This leaves travelers with very few aerial options for entering or leaving the country.
Furthermore, the strike has paralyzed ground transportation. Significant disruptions are reported across the national railway operator (SNCB), as well as regional bus and tram networks. This creates a compounding logistical challenge: even passengers on the 93 incoming flights that do land at Brussels Airport may find themselves stranded upon arrival, unable to secure public transport to their final destinations.
We strongly recommend that passengers scheduled to fly to Brussels on Wednesday check their flight status directly with their airlines. Carriers are responsible for informing passengers of cancellations and offering rebooking options. For those scheduled to depart from Brussels, the advice is unequivocal: do not travel to the airport, as no passenger flights will be taking off.
The events unfolding on November 26, 2025, highlight the fragility of modern transport networks when faced with coordinated industrial action. With over 300 combined flights cancelled at Brussels Airport alone, and a total shutdown at Charleroi, the economic and logistical toll is significant. The strike serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing tensions regarding fiscal policy and labor rights within Belgium.
As the immediate disruptions clear, the focus will likely shift to the backlog of displaced passengers and the resumption of normal schedules. However, the underlying political disagreements regarding the federal budget and labor reforms remain unresolved, suggesting that the dialogue between the government and unions will continue to be a critical factor in the stability of Belgian public services in the near future.
Question: Are all flights to Brussels cancelled on Wednesday, November 26? Question: Why are the flights being cancelled? Question: Is public transport available from the airport? Sources: Reuters
Brussels Airport Cancels Over 100 Incoming Flights Amid Nationwide Strike
Operational Impact: Arrivals and Departures
The Context: A Nationwide General Strike
Broader Travel Implications and Advice
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: No, not all incoming flights are cancelled. Approximately 110 out of 203 incoming flights have been cancelled. However, the remaining flights may still face delays. All departing passenger flights, however, are cancelled.
Answer: The cancellations are due to a nationwide general strike in Belgium. A shortage of security and ground-handling staff makes it impossible to guarantee safe operations for all flights.
Answer: Public transport is also severely affected by the strike. Trains (SNCB), buses, and trams are experiencing significant disruptions, making travel to and from the airport difficult.
Photo Credit: The Brussels Times
Route Development
Heathrow Ends 100ml Liquid Limit with £1 Billion Security Upgrade
Heathrow Airport completes £1 billion upgrade with CT scanners, allowing liquids up to 2L and laptops in bags for departures.
Heathrow Airport has officially announced the completion of a massive security upgrade across all four of its terminals, marking the end of the restrictive 100ml liquid limit for departing passengers. According to an official press release issued on January 23, 2026, the airport has finalized a £1 billion investment to install next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, positioning itself as the largest airport in the world to fully deploy this technology across its entire operation.
The upgrade fundamentally changes the pre-flight experience for millions of travelers. Under the new regulations, passengers departing from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage. Additionally, large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from bags during screening. The airport states that this move will not only streamline the security process but also significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.
The core of this upgrade involves the installation of advanced CT scanners, similar to technology used in medical environments. These machines generate detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to rotate and analyze the contents on-screen without requiring passengers to physically separate items.
In its announcement, Heathrow confirmed that the requirement to place liquids in clear plastic bags has been eliminated. This operational shift is expected to have a substantial environmental impact. The airport estimates that removing the plastic bag mandate will save approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.
Data released by the airport suggests the new technology is already delivering performance improvements. Heathrow reported that in 2025, it was named “Europe’s most punctual hub airport.” During that period, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes for security screening. Furthermore, the airport noted that its baggage load rate improved to over 98% in 2025, indicating a reduction in missed bags.
Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, highlighted the significance of the milestone in a statement included in the press release:
“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey, and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”
While the completion of this project is a major achievement for UK aviation infrastructure, it comes after significant industry-wide delays. The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for major airports to install this technology. Like Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, Heathrow faced logistical hurdles, including supply chain issues and the need to reinforce floors to support the heavy scanners, that pushed the completion date to January 2026.
Travelers must remain vigilant regarding the limitations of this new rule. The ability to carry liquids up to 2 liters applies only to passengers departing from Heathrow. Many international destinations, as well as other airports within the UK and EU, may not have completed their upgrades. Passengers transferring through other hubs or returning to Heathrow from airports without CT scanners will still be subject to the traditional 100ml liquid limit. Consequently, purchasing large liquids duty-free or packing full-sized toiletries in carry-on luggage could result in confiscation at the return airport or a connecting security checkpoint. We recommend checking the specific security regulations of all airports on your itinerary before packing.
Do I still need to put liquids in a plastic bag at Heathrow? What is the new liquid limit? Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag? Does this apply to my return flight?
Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Limit Following £1 Billion Security Overhaul
Next-Generation Security Technology
Operational Efficiency Gains
AirPro News Analysis: Context and Traveler Advisory
The “One-Way” Rule Caveat
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The requirement to use clear plastic bags for liquids has been eliminated for departures from Heathrow.
Passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage.
No. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can remain inside your cabin baggage during the screening process.
Not necessarily. These rules apply to departures from Heathrow. You must check the rules of the airport you are flying back from, as many still enforce the 100ml limit.
Sources
Photo Credit: Heathrow Airport
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
AirAsia Nears Deal to Acquire 100 Airbus A220 Jets
AirAsia is close to finalizing a deal to buy around 100 Airbus A220 jets, marking a strategic fleet expansion for the Southeast Asian carrier.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Tim Hepher.
AirAsia is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire approximately 100 Airbus A220 aircraft, a move that would signify a major strategic pivot for the Southeast Asian budget carrier. According to exclusive reporting by Reuters, the airline is “closing in” on the agreement, which would mark its first entry into the dedicated regional jet market.
Industry sources indicate that the deal could be finalized soon, with the upcoming Singapore Airshow, scheduled for February 3–8, 2026, viewed as a probable venue for an official announcement. If completed, this acquisition would diversify AirAsia’s fleet, which has been dominated by larger narrowbody aircraft for over a decade.
The reported agreement involves a firm order for around 100 jets. While specific variants have not been confirmed by the airline, industry analysis suggests the carrier is targeting the A220-300, the larger variant of the family, which is favored by low-cost carriers for its higher seating capacity and unit cost efficiency.
Based on 2025 list prices, a deal for 100 A220-300 jets would be valued at approximately $9.15 billion. However, large-scale orders of this magnitude typically attract significant discounts from manufacturers, meaning the actual transaction value would likely be substantially lower.
“Airbus is closing in on a deal to sell around 100 A220 jets to AirAsia…”
, Reporting by Tim Hepher, Reuters
This potential order comes as AirAsia completes a significant corporate restructuring. In January 2026, AirAsia X completed its acquisition of Capital A’s aviation assets, consolidating short-haul and long-haul operations under a unified “AirAsia Group” umbrella. This streamlined structure appears to be facilitating a more cohesive, group-wide fleet strategy.
For years, AirAsia has operated a standardized fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The introduction of the A220 would represent a departure from the single-type fleet model often strictly adhered to by low-cost carriers (LCCs). However, the move aligns with a post-pandemic industry trend toward “right-sizing” capacity. The A220-300, typically seating between 130 and 160 passengers, sits below the capacity of the A320neo (180+ seats). This allows the airline to:
The Shift from Volume to Precision
We view this potential order as a signal that AirAsia is moving from a “survival mode” strategy to one of “smart growth.” Historically, LCCs in Southeast Asia have chased volume on trunk routes using the largest possible narrowbodies (like the A321). By opting for the A220, AirAsia acknowledges that the next phase of growth lies in connecting secondary and tertiary markets that cannot support 180-seat aircraft.
Furthermore, this is a significant win for the Airbus A220 program in a region where it has faced stiff competition. Reports indicate that AirAsia also evaluated the Embraer E195-E2. Selecting the A220 reinforces Airbus’s dominance in the carrier’s fleet, despite the A220 having a different cockpit and supply chain than the A320 family.
AirAsia launched in 1996 with Boeing 737-300s before transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet to standardize maintenance and training. Introducing a second fleet type adds complexity, but the operational savings of the A220 on specific routes appear to outweigh the costs of diversification.
According to market reports, the deal is not yet signed, and negotiations regarding pricing and delivery slots are ongoing. However, the timing aligns with the industry’s recovery trajectory, where airlines are locking in delivery slots for the late 2020s to secure future capacity.
Report: AirAsia Nears Deal for 100 Airbus A220 Jets
Details of the Potential Acquisition
Strategic Rationale: Right-Sizing the Network
AirPro News Analysis
Fleet Evolution and Competitor Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: AirAsia
Airlines Strategy
JetBlue Launches Public Vote for Dominican Republic Aircraft Livery
JetBlue starts public voting for a Dominican Republic-themed aircraft livery by local artists, debuting in Spring 2026 on an A320.
This article is based on an official press release from JetBlue.
JetBlue has announced the launch of a new cultural campaign, “RD: Orgullo que Eleva” (DR: Pride That Elevates), aimed at celebrating the airline’s long-standing relationship with the Dominican Republic. As the largest carrier currently serving the market between the United States and the Dominican Republic, the airlines is introducing a public voting initiative to select a custom aircraft livery designed by Dominican artists.
According to the company’s announcement, this marks the first time JetBlue will dedicate a specific aircraft livery to the Dominican Republic. The winning design will be painted on an Airbus A320, which is scheduled to enter service in Spring 2026. The initiative highlights the carrier’s strategy to deepen ties with the Dominican community, a market it has served for nearly 22 years.
The core of the “RD: Orgullo que Eleva” campaign is community engagement. JetBlue has commissioned three distinct Dominican artists and collectives to propose designs that reflect the country’s folklore, nature, and spirit. The airline has opened a public voting platform where community members can select their preferred design.
Voting is currently open and will run through February 1, 2026. The airline directs participants to cast their votes at VotaJetBlueRD.com. Following the conclusion of the voting period, the winning concept will be announced in February, with the aircraft expected to debut later in the spring.
“As the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, we’re proud to introduce JetBlue’s first livery dedicated to the country, which will showcase the work of a local artist and be chosen by the community. This initiative honors the country’s vibrant culture and creative talent, while reflecting the strong bond we’ve built there for more than twenty years.”
JetBlue selected three artists to interpret Dominican culture through their unique visual styles. The public will choose between the following concepts:
An art director and muralist with over two decades of experience, Willy Gómez is known for merging Neo-traditional and Art Nouveau styles. His proposed design focuses on the theme of “Nature & Rhythm,” utilizing bold colors to depict the island’s coastal beauty and musical heritage.
This design collective brings a contemporary social lens to their work. Their concept, centered on “Everyday Life & Folklore,” features playful illustrations that highlight Dominican gastronomy, family life, and traditional folklore. An internationally recognized illustrator, Lena Tokens combines surrealism with natural elements. Her design theme, “Tradition & Identity,” incorporates the colors of the Dominican flag and features figures representing the nation’s creativity and rhythm.
The launch of this campaign underscores the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic to JetBlue’s network. Data provided in the announcement indicates that JetBlue expects to average more than 30 daily departures from the Dominican Republic by Spring 2026.
The airline currently operates service to four major airports in the country:
Recent network adjustments include the relaunch of service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Santiago (STI), as well as new routes connecting Tampa (TPA) to Punta Cana (PUJ). Beyond flight operations, the airline highlighted its philanthropic footprint through the JetBlue Foundation, which supports local educational initiatives like the Mariposa DR Foundation and the DREAM Project.
While special liveries are a common marketing tool in aviation, JetBlue itself has previously released liveries for the Boston Celtics, the New York Jets, and the FDNY, dedicating an aircraft to a specific international destination is a distinct move. It signals a defensive strategy to solidify brand loyalty in a high-volume “Visiting Friends and Relatives” (VFR) market.
By involving the community in the design process, JetBlue is likely aiming to differentiate itself from competitors by positioning the brand not just as a transit provider, but as a cultural partner. This is particularly relevant as the airline continues to manage capacity and optimize its route network in the Caribbean region.
When does voting close? Which aircraft will feature the new design? When will the aircraft start flying? Who are the artists involved?
JetBlue Launches Public Vote for First-Ever Dominican Republic Livery
Campaign Details and Voting Process
The Contending Artists
Willy Gómez: Nature and Rhythm
Los Plebeyos: Everyday Life and Folklore
Lena Tokens: Tradition and Identity
Market Position and Operational Context
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Voting for the new livery closes on February 1, 2026.
The winning design will be painted on a JetBlue Airbus A320.
The aircraft is scheduled to debut in Spring 2026.
The three contending artists are Willy Gómez, the collective Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tokens.
Sources
Photo Credit: JetBlue
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