A 24-hour strike by ground personnel at Charleroi Airport in Brussels has been prolonged. Widespread chaos, halting all flights and leaving travellers stranded, as unions protest over salaries, work hours, and management issues.

The chaos continues to ensue at Charleroi Airport in Brussels on Friday morning as three major unions have prolongued their 24-hour strike. The protest, in effect since 6am on Thursday, is thereby impacting nearly every single aspect of aviation traffic, from baggage handling to check-ins, and aircraft refuelling, with all arrivals and departures cancelled for the time being. They have reached the agreement to extend the strike into Friday.

A statement on the official website said: "This Friday, September 13, a joint union strike has been announced at Charleroi airport. All flights scheduled for this Friday are cancelled. Passengers with flights scheduled for that day should contact their airline and not go to the airport. We regret the impact of these actions and apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Despite a meeting with unions failing to take place on Wednesday, management has said that they were taken by surprise and have voiced disappointment over the disruption. Travellers have in the meantime been alerted to the issue and warned not to come to the airport.

Cause of the clash is a disagreement over salaries and work hours, as well as the recent quitting of several high-ranking employees. Affected workers are further pleading that the Walloon Government stand in for better management conditions.