Holidaymakers warned of 'severe travel disruption' in Belgium

Many UK airports operate flights to the European country

Holidaymakers are set to face disruption as handlers and security staff are set to strike in Belgium's capital next week. Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport have cancelled flights on Monday, March 31.

Brussels Airport will not operate any departing flights and warned that arriving flights could also be impacted. Charleroi Airport has scrapped all flights, both departing and arriving.

UK airports with flights to Brussels includes Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester Airport, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Edinburgh. UK airports with flights to Charleroi include London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.

The strike aims to oppose a series of measures put forward by the Federal Government. Belgium's largest rail unions had already confirmed they would be taking part. Now, Brussels Airlines has confirmed that all departing flights are cancelled on that day.

Brussels Airport has alerted passengers with a statement on their website: "Due to a national strike and the announced strike of a large number of the security staff and the personnel of the handlers, we expect major disruptions to airport operations on that day.

"To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing passenger flights."

Local news site The Brussels Times says "It concerns 244 departing flights. The airlines will contact passengers whose flight has been impacted and are asking passengers not to come to the airport on that day."

They added: "As departing passenger flights are cancelled, cancellations are also possible on arriving flights." They advise all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline or on the website or the app. The flight overview on the website will show cancellations only once they are registered by the airline.

Charleroi Airport issued a similar statement about the strike. Passengers were advised: "Due to the national strike planned for Monday, March 31, as a joint trade union front, and the lack of staff present to ensure safe operations, all flights scheduled to and from Charleroi airport on that day will be cancelled.

"Passengers scheduled to fly to and from Charleroi next Monday will be contacted by their airline for a rebooking or refund. We regret the impact of this national strike on our passengers' travel plans and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The Foreign Office has also alerted UK tourists of the planned strikes. They state: "A general strike is planned for 31 March and may cause severe travel disruption across the entire country." You should "monitor local news and check with your travel provider regarding potential delays."

Belgium follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago

• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area