A walkout by 140 Sabena pilots has forced the Belgian airline to cancel at least 20 flights.
The walkout began after all-night negotiations between management and pilots' representatives failed to produce an agreement.
The action was not authorised by the unions.
But a spokesman at the Belgian Cockpit Association, which represents pilots, says the strike's legal status is unclear, as well as how long it would last.
Management and unions at Sabena have been negotiating on a £228m restructuring plan - including a possible 700 job cuts - that the company says is vital for its survival.