Brussels Airlines expects major disruptions on Friday due to the union protests against federal government measures. About 4 in 10 scheduled flights to and from Brussels Airport have been canceled due to disruptions expected at the ground-handling provider Alyzia.
Service provided by the Flemish public transportation company De Lijn will also be severely disrupted that day, as it will be on Monday, October 12, when the ABVV is organizing a strike in the public service sector.
140 flights canceled
Brussels Airport expects that about 140 flights operated by airlines working with Alyzia will be canceled on Friday. The ground handling provider works with about 20 airlines at Brussels Airport but will operate with reduced staff that day due to union actions.
This includes the airport’s largest operator, Brussels Airlines. The airline is canceling about 40% of its flights. At this point, no impact is expected for flights handled by Aviapartner, the other service provider.
Tens of thousands of passengers affected
“Passengers whose flights are canceled will be proactively contacted with an alternative travel option or can choose to receive a refund for their ticket,” says Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone. “Passengers can also check the status of their flight via ‘My Booking’ on our website.”
Brussels Airlines expects approximately 30,000 passengers on Friday and emphasizes that it is not involved in the union actions. “We regret that this is already the third time this year that our flight schedule has been severely disrupted by union actions carried out by external parties,” the airline says.
“These actions disrupt the travel plans of thousands of passengers and have a significant financial impact on Brussels Airlines. We call on all unions to reconsider their approach and find ways to make their voices heard without affecting travelers and companies that are not involved in this conflict.”
Also disrupted service at De Lijn
The ABVV union is organizing a national demonstration in Brussels on Friday, October 9, while the ACV will march to the party headquarters of the federal governing parties on that day. And on October 12, the ABVV is organizing a strike day in the public sector.
The strike actions will also affect De Lijn. The Flemish public transportation company warns of severely disrupted service on those days. An alternative service plan will be developed.
