Aviapartner mediation fails as new Brussels Airport strike action remains possible

Updated 18 June 2026, Brussels. Mediation between Aviapartner and striking staff has produced no agreement, leaving new strike action possible at Brussels Airport, HLN reported on Thursday. The dispute follows a spontaneous strike by Aviapartner check-in staff that caused long queues at the airport earlier this week, according to VRT NWS, Bruzz and De Morgen. Nieuwsblad reported that check-in and boarding later returned to normal after the initial action. VRT NWS reported that the action risked spreading from check-in staff to blue-collar workers, which would raise the disruption risk because Aviapartner also performs ground-handling work. Brussels Airport’s own passenger information pages direct travellers to check live departures and airline information before travelling. Aviapartner describes itself as an independent airport ground-handling provider active at Brussels Airport and other European and African airports. For passengers, the immediate issue is operational uncertainty rather than cancelled flights already confirmed by the airport. Travellers using airlines handled by Aviapartner face the highest risk of longer queues, late boarding and baggage disruption if staff resume action. The broader issue is the fragility of airport operations when labour disputes hit outsourced ground services. Check-in, boarding and baggage handling are separate from airline flight schedules, but they determine whether passengers and luggage reach aircraft on time. Further talks, union decisions and airport operational updates will decide whether the dispute remains contained or turns into renewed disruption at Belgium’s main airport.