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Ryanair passengers were left stranded after over 100 flights were cancelled due to a strike by Belgian air traffic controllers, resulting in 20,000 passengers facing delays, cancellations, and disrupted holiday plans.

The airline criticised the lack of warning given before the strike action and called for advance notice to be given to airlines to adjust their schedules and protect passengers.

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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.

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A separate general strike is set to take place across Portugal on Wednesday, 3 June, with airports among the areas expected to be affected, potentially affecting around 500 flights operated by various airlines.

Rival low-cost caarrier easyJet has already warned passengers that some services could face disruption ,while Ryanair has said it currently plans to operate flights as normal.

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The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) called the proposed changes an unprecedented attack on established rights by the government, with the reform making it easier for companies to dismiss employees and removing limits on outsourcing.

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary labelled the move an illegal wildcat strike and said it was unacceptable that airlines were given zero notice of today's Belgian ATC strike.

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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 airprt check-in fee before they've even started their trip.