Belgium faced major disruption on the final day of a nationwide strike as most flights at Brussels Airport were grounded and public transport slowed across the country.
The action, led by major unions, targeted the coalition government of Prime Minister Bart De Wever over planned pension and labour market reforms.
Brussels Airport cancelled all departures and over half of its scheduled arrivals, while Charleroi Airport warned of severe delays due to staff shortages.
Schools, public services and many private-sector workplaces were also affected. The strike proceeded despite a newly reached government budget deal that includes tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at reducing Belgium’s deficit.