Some taxi drivers tried to obstruct access to Charleroi Airport early on Thursday morning, Charleroi Airport's Secretary General, Hervé Fransens, confirmed.
The police intervened and were quickly able to restore the situation, however, Fransens noted.
By attempting to obstruct access to the airport, the taxi drivers were reportedly expressing their dissatisfaction with the end of free parking in the airport's P2 car park.
The measure was announced several weeks ago, but came into force on Monday, according to Fransens. He said that it followed a series of cases of abusive behaviour by taxi drivers who, in order to go beyond the free minutes they were entitled to, were forcing the gates open by "sticking" the cars in front of them in the queue at the exit.
The end of free parking does not affect all taxis. In fact, those operating in the city of Charleroi benefit from a "conceded" line. This is not the case for those coming from other towns or working regularly with the managers of private car parks located on the outskirts of the airport site.
