UK holidaymakers are bracing for fresh travel disruption following the announcement of strike action in Belgium. Media reports confirm that Brussels Airlines is reducing its service by 60% on May 12. A spokesperson for the carrier confirmed the news on Tuesday.
Flight Reductions and Affected Routes
Disruption is likely for Brits and other travellers heading to Brussels, given that the airline operates regular flights to and from London Heathrow, Manchester Airport, and Edinburgh Airport. Details of specific flight cancellations have not yet been disclosed.
The move follows Brussels Airport's warning of expected disruption on that date due to nationwide industrial action. Numerous security workers and service providers will be downing tools. Airlines have been requested to cap the number of departing passenger flights on the day to maintain safety and prevent excessive waiting times.
Union Mobilisation
According to the news site 7sur7, the FGTB, CSC, and CGSLB unions are organising another major mobilisation in the streets of Brussels. This marks the latest wave of strike action to hit the country. During the previous national demonstration, no passenger flights took off from Brussels Airport, although commentators say disruptions are expected to be less severe on May 12. Zaventem Airport estimated that just under half of the scheduled departures will be able to operate.
Additional Aviation Sector Strikes
Separately, strike action is also planned in the aviation sector. The Mirror reported on Tuesday that notice was lodged this week which could see strikes involving pilots. The joint union front (CNE/ACV Puls, CSC Transcom, CGSLB/ACLVB, and Setca/BBTK) has filed a national strike notice for the entire Belgian aviation sector.
Approximately 1.3 million Brits visit Belgium annually, suggesting that hundreds, if not thousands, of UK travellers could be impacted on that single day. Brussels Airlines is cancelling roughly 60% of its flights that day, according to Le Soir.
Impact on Long-Haul and Short-Haul Flights
Bosses say the long-haul network will bear the brunt, as these flights carry many connecting passengers. For shorter routes, the airline is giving priority to flights with the greatest number of direct passengers. "Further cancellations cannot be ruled out. Passengers whose flights are cancelled can either rebook or request a refund. We continue to monitor the situation closely; further cancellations cannot be ruled out," says Brussels Airlines.
The airline added: "Brussels Airlines is not involved in the labour dispute between the unions and the Belgian federal Government. Yet, the consequences always fall on our passengers, our colleagues, and our company. In the current geopolitical context (particularly with high fuel prices), such actions are irresponsible."
Airport Operations and Passenger Advice
Brussels Airport stated: "In collaboration with all relevant partners, Brussels Airport is working to ensure that as many flights as possible can depart that day." The airport anticipates only minimal disruption to incoming flights. Passengers due to land at Brussels Airport that day are urged to check the latest status of their flight directly with their airline.
The unions announced the fresh mass action at the start of the month. The demonstration is part of a series of union actions they have been carrying out for over a year in opposition to the federal government's reforms to policies including pensions. The most recent national demonstration took place on 12 March, with between 80,000 and 100,000 people taking to the streets of Brussels. Not a single passenger flight departed from Zaventem Airport on that occasion.
Passenger Rights
According to the government's gov.uk website, your airline, travel agent, or tour operator is obliged to give you clear and easy-to-understand information on the conditions of your travel at the point of booking. Travellers are urged to check these carefully. The website states: "Airlines and travel agents selling flight tickets must make clear the full price for all mandatory charges, such as taxes, at the time of booking. They should make clear any additional costs for optional extras, for example, for luggage allowance or seat selection." If you have booked a package that includes a flight (such as flight and accommodation or flight and car hire), you may also have both package and ATOL protection. Take your ATOL Certificate with you.
