Brussels faced significant disruptions this Friday due to large-scale trade union protests against government fiscal policies. Demonstrators expressed concerns over the rising cost of living and surging energy bills, urging the government to adopt an alternative plan to save 21 billion euros without aggressive spending cuts. The unrest caused major delays in public transit, with metro, tram, and bus services heavily impacted. Aviation was also hit, as 140 flights were cancelled at the capital’s airport. Brussels Airlines dropped 40% of its scheduled operations, noting that the disruption stemmed from baggage handling staff at the company 'Aviapartner' joining the national protest.