An airline serving Birmingham Airport has warned of potential flight cancellations in May due to a national strike in Belgium. Brussels Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will reduce its operations by 60% on 12 May, according to media reports. This reduction could impact passengers at Birmingham Airport, as the airline operates a direct route from Birmingham to Brussels.
Specific flight cancellations have not yet been confirmed. The warning follows an advance notice from Brussels Airport about anticipated disruption on the same date due to nationwide strike action. Security staff and various service providers are expected to walk out.
Carriers have been asked to limit departing passenger flights that day to ensure safety standards and avoid lengthy queues. According to news outlet 7sur7, trade unions FGTB, CSC, and CGSLB are coordinating another significant demonstration in Brussels city centre.
During the last national walkout, Brussels Airport saw no passenger departures. With approximately 1.3 million British visitors travelling to Belgium each year, potentially hundreds or thousands of UK passengers could face disruption on 12 May alone.
A Brussels Airlines spokesperson stated: "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."
The spokesperson 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."
Brussels Airport said in a statement: "In collaboration with all relevant partners, Brussels Airport is working to ensure that as many flights as possible can depart that day." However, the airport expects only limited disruption to arriving flights. Passengers scheduled to land at Brussels Airport on that date are advised to verify their flight's status directly with their airline.
