READ MORE: 150 passengers left behind after Ryanair flight takes off without them - due to EES border queuesSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JOWENA RILEY, TRAVEL WRITER Published: 10:30 BST, 5 June 2026 | Updated: 10:34 BST, 5 June 2026
Nearly 20,000 passengers were left scrambling after more than 100 flights - many of which were easyJet and Ryanair - were cancelled at short notice due to strike action by Belgian air traffic controllers. The disruption affected flights to and from Charleroi and Zaventem airports on Tuesday, 2 June - with Ryanair blaming what it described as an 'illegal wildcat' strike for the chaos.The airline said around 100 of its flights were grounded, leaving thousands of travellers facing delays, cancellations and disrupted holiday plans.In a statement, Ryanair criticised the lack of warning given before the strike action. It said: 'It is unacceptable that passengers travelling to/from Belgium today (2 June) are suffering flight cancellations and delays as a result of a tiny number of Belgian air traffic controllers' decision to strike with zero notice given to airlines who pay millions of euros annually for ATC services, which have been withdrawn today without any prior notice. 'If Belgian ATC controllers must go on strike, they should provide fair and sufficient notice – at least 24 hours – so that airlines can re-organise flights and protect passengers – many of whom are travelling with young families – from unnecessary cancellations.' Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary also weighed in, noting that Ryanair respects the right of workers to take industrial action, but believes airlines should not be left in the dark.He said: 'It is unacceptable that airlines were given zero notice of today's Belgian ATC strike. Belgian air traffic controllers staged a walkout at Charleroi and Zaventem airports on Tuesday, resulting in 20,000 passengers being left stranded Pictured: Passengers look at an information board indicating cancelled and delayed flights in Zaventem on June 2 2026O'Leary added that advance notice would give airlines the chance to adjust their schedules, which would protect passengers from unnecessary cancellations and delays.He also criticised what he described as 'high priced but low service' air traffic control operations, as reported by the Daily Record. However, the travel disruption may not be over yet for some Ryanair passengers. A separate general strike is set to take place across Portugal on Wednesday, 3 June, with airports among the areas expected to be affected. As a result, it is estimated around 500 flights operated by various airlines could be affected. Rival low-cost carrier easyJet has already warned passengers that some services could face disruption, while Ryanair has said it currently plans to operate flights as normal. The Portuguese strike is the second largest general walkout to hit the country in recent months. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) called the proposed changes an 'unprecedented attack on established rights' by the government. Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary labelled the move an 'illegal wildcat' strike - and said it was unacceptableAmong other measures, the reform would make it easier for companies to dismiss employees and would remove limits on outsourcing. It comes after Ryanair reminded customers about its strict check-in policy, with passengers facing a hefty charge if they arrive at the airport without checking in online.Since November 2025, the airline has operated a fully digital boarding pass system through its mobile app, meaning paper boarding passes are no longer accepted.Passengers with reserved seats can check in online up to 60 days before departure, while those using free seat allocation can check in from 24 hours before their flight. The check-in window closes two hours before departure, and anyone who turns up without checking in online could be charged a £55 airport check-in fee before they've even started their trip.
