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British holidaymakers have been put on alert over fresh strike action that threatens to cause widespread travel chaos - including potential last-minute flight cancellations.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Belgium, warning that a national strike planned for May 12 is expected to trigger severe disruption across public transport and could spill over into wider public services. Travellers have been told to brace for heavily affected international flights, with cancellations possible at short notice, while a large-scale demonstration is also scheduled in central Brussels on the same day.

But the scale of disruption could go even further. The May 12 walkout in Belgium is expected to be a full nationwide general strike, meaning multiple sectors are likely to grind to a halt at once.

Based on previous stoppages, rail services across the country could be slashed to a skeleton timetable or halted entirely, while metro, tram and bus networks in Brussels face major shutdowns.

Air passengers are also firmly in the firing line. Strikes in Belgium often involve security staff, baggage handlers and ground crews, raising the risk that flights from key hubs such as Brussels Airport could be cancelled outright rather than simply delayed.

Schools, local services and other parts of the public sector may also be forced to close or run at reduced capacity.

The latest alert comes against the backdrop of repeated industrial unrest in Belgium, with a string of general strikes already hitting the country over the past year. Walkouts took place on March 31, April 29, October 14, November 26 and December 15 in 2025, followed by further action on March 12 this year.

These strikes are typically led by Belgium's powerful trade unions and are driven by disputes over pay, pensions and working conditions, meaning disruption tends to spread well beyond a single industry.

Officials warned that strike action is an "ongoing issue" and can be announced with little notice - raising the risk of sudden disruption for travellers.

The FCDO said: "A national strike is planned for 12 May. This is expected to cause severe travel disruption across public transport and may affect wider public services, including schools. International flights are likely to be heavily affected, with potential cancellations at short notice."

Britons heading to Belgium are being urged to monitor local news closely and check with airlines and travel operators before setting off.

The department also issued a broader reminder that no travel can be guaranteed safe, urging holidaymakers to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance that covers disruption, delays and emergency costs.