Resumption of cargo movement at Brussels Airport after farmers' protest with tractors
Flemish farmers ended their three-day blockade at Brussels Airport on January 18, as roads leading to Brucargo, the airport's main cargo center, were reopened after they had restricted truck movement using barriers, causing long queues stretching several kilometers.
The General Union of Farmers organized a protest against the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, arguing that it would flood Belgium with low-quality meat coming from South America. Farmers used tractors to allow trucks to pass only twice an hour, resulting in a severe slowdown in shipping traffic.
Brussels Airport Company estimates that every 12 hours of disruption costs around 2 million euros, affecting pharmaceuticals, electronic parcels, and car parts. Shipping companies have diverted their shipments to Liège, Schiphol, and Frankfurt, while life sciences companies have activated emergency plans to protect temperature-sensitive goods.
Passenger flights continued, but some crews and transferring staff missed their arrival due to employee buses being held up in traffic. Mobility managers had to urgently rebook tickets and arrange overnight accommodations, highlighting how strikes can affect the movement of both people and goods.
The blockade ended after the union secured a meeting with federal ministers, but they warned of the possibility of additional protests during the ratification process of the trade agreement. Logistics experts recommend spreading out delivery schedules, using real-time truck navigation apps, and keeping crew visa documents updated if rerouted trips require crossing borders with neighboring countries.