Brussels Christmas air strike off

Belgian authorities have announced that a strike that could have closed Brussels Charleroi airport has been called off.

The authorities and security came to last minute deal, meaning the strike - organised for today (December 21st) - did not take place.

Peter Sherrard, Ryanair head of communications, commenting on the decision, said: "We welcome the news that this strike has been called off and that the travel plans of more than 5,000 Ryanair passengers will not be ruined over the busy Christmas holiday period."

In total 28 Ryanair flights to and from the airport were set to be cancelled, with a number switched to the nearby Lille airport in the north-west of France.

The airport is advising all passengers to check the website of the airline they are flying with for updates and for those in Brussels to check into the airport at least two hours before departure.