U.S. citizens traveling in Belgium are being advised of major disruptions to air travel and public transportation expected in the coming weeks. Unidentified drone activity has caused operational interruptions at five Belgian airports, resulting in delayed, canceled, or diverted flights. Authorities are investigating these incidents due to safety and security concerns, with some flights rerouted to airports outside Belgium.
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that 40 U.S. airports will see a reduction in flights because of staffing shortages among air traffic controllers during an ongoing shutdown.
Travelers should also be aware of planned strikes affecting transportation services across Belgium during Thanksgiving week. Rail workers will begin striking on November 24, followed by an expanded strike involving public service workers on November 25. A national labor strike is scheduled for November 26.
Passengers are encouraged to check directly with airlines or transportation providers for updates about cancellations or changes to schedules. Updates specific to Brussels Airport can be found at https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/passengers.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgium urges all American travelers and residents to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov for timely safety and security alerts from the embassy or consulate related to their destination.
Further information regarding travel to Belgium is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html.
For assistance, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium is located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels, and can be reached by phone at +32-2-811-4000 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except holidays. For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, call +32-2-811-4000 or email USCitizenBrussels@state.gov. The State Department can also be contacted for emergencies at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
"U.S. citizens are encouraged to check with the airline or transportation provider regularly for updates on cancellations or schedule changes."
"We encourage all U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Belgium to sign up at https://step.state.gov to receive safety and security alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination."