The Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) and the Liege Airport were closed Friday due to airport security staff strikes, Belgian TV broadcaster VRT reported.

The labor unions at the Charleroi airport set up a picket line in the early hours of Friday and all flights have been cancelled. Their colleagues at the Liege Airport promptly followed suit.

The unions are protesting a plan by Walloon regional Transport Minister Andre Antione to privatize security at the region's airports. Unions' representatives are due to meet with the minister Friday to discuss the issue.

The management at the Charleroi Airport has asked passengers not to come until the strike is over. The airlines grounded have promised to refund travelers, while alternative travel arrangements will be made for those still wishing to travel.

Airline Jetair will be operating its flights to and from Liege and Charleroi via Brussels Airport. Passengers will be brought to and from Brussels by bus.

Located about 46 km from central Brussels, the Charleroi Airport was used by 2 million passengers in 2006.

Source: Xinhua