LONDON 

Brussels South Charleroi Airport will be closed on Friday, as a strike by airport employees halted all flights.

According to local media reports, the unexpected industrial action began Thursday morning, leaving nearly 200 flights canceled and thousands of passengers stranded.

The strike has disrupted key operational functions at the airport, including baggage handling, check-in services, and aircraft refueling.

As a result, the airport operator announced that no flights—either departing or arriving—will take place on Friday, Sept. 13.

Passengers who were scheduled to fly on Thursday were advised to avoid the airport and to contact their airlines for further assistance.

The airport initially aimed to maintain a reduced operational capacity and encouraged passengers to travel with hand luggage only. However, the scale of the walkout has forced a complete shutdown.