National strike disrupts Port of Antwerp, halts all flights from Brussels

Workers protest against budget cuts, causing significant disruptions in shipping and air travel across Belgium

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by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

(AI-Translations): Français

Today, 29 April 2025, the Port of Antwerp will experience significant disruption due to a national strike in Belgium.

This marks the fourth strike in the country within the past few months, as workers from both the private and public sectors protest against the Federal Government's recent budget cuts.

As part of the strike, the Port Authority in Antwerp will halt all shipping traffic, impacting both seagoing and inland waterway vessels.

An update by the port noted that the Antwerp port area is currently completely blocked (09:50 CET).

There are 19 vessels waiting to depart from Antwerp; 20 are waiting to enter the port.

Meanwhile, shipping to and from Zeebrugge remains possible.

The port authority adds, "The disruption will continue until tomorrow morning. Afterwards we will see how we can clear the backlog smoothly and safely. This is expected to take one or two days."

Additionally, the strike will severely affect air travel. All departing flights from Brussels Airport in Zaventem have been cancelled.

For the latest port status or situation update, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.