Belgium Erupts: Tear Gas, 140 Flights Cancelled & Student Riots — De Wever's Worst Day Yet

Protesters gather near shared bicycles set ablaze during a labour union-based demonstration against the Federal Government's budgetary measures in Brussels on October 9, 2026. Belgian workers were joined by protesting high-school students as they took to the streets October 9, 2026, for a fresh national strike against government austerity measures. The demonstration expected to draw thousands of people in Brussels comes as tensions are high after student protests inspired by those happening in France descended into violence this week. (Credit: Photo by DIRK WAEM / Belga / AFP via Getty Images / Belgium OUT)

The Briefing

• Flights grounded, transit crippled: Around 140 flights were cancelled at Brussels Airport after ground handler Alyzia, which serves 21 airlines, joined Friday's national demonstration; public transit across Flanders and Brussels was severely disrupted.
• Violence near Brussels Central Station: Masked protesters set fire to shared bikes and electric scooters and hurled rocks and firecrackers at riot officers, who responded with tear gas, water cannons, and baton charges — while the main union march proceeded peacefully blocks away.
• A second strike looms Monday: Rail disruption is expected to begin Sunday evening at 10 p.m. ahead of a public-sector strike on Monday, October 12, organized by socialist union ACOD/CGSP, extending Belgium's week of unrest into the work week.