Following the recent announcement of a 24-hour closure of the Belgian airspace from 22h00 next Sunday, December 14th, Brussels Airlines is forced to cancel all of its flights during the duration of the strike.
Belgocontrol air traffic controllers have announced that from 22h00 on Sunday, December 14, they will go on strike during 24 hours. Brussels Airlines sees no other option than to cancel all its flights to and from Brussels Airport during that time. Earlier, Brussels Airlines already canceled 84 flights proactively for 15 December due to the national strike. The airline estimates the financial impact at 5 million euro.
The main priority of the airline is to inform its passengers as soon as possible and to provide travel alternatives. Passengers whose flight has been cancelled, can rebook their flight to an earlier or later date, or they have the option to request a refund of their ticket.
Brussels Airlines’ staff does its utmost to assist their customers as quickly as possible. Therefore the airline’s Service Centre will remain open longer on Friday evening and will be reachable until 21h00 (+32 2 723 23 62). Passengers can also go to the airport counters to change their tickets.
“We deeply regret that, once again it’s the travelers who are the victims of this action. We will do everything we can to assist our customers as much as possible. Colleagues from different departments will help out to reinforce our call centre, “said Bernard Gustin, CEO of Brussels Airlines.
The company keeps its customers informed of the situation via their website, Facebook and Twitter (@FlyingBrussels). Passengers are also notified by SMS (if phone number is available) and e-mail, or through their travel agent.
Friday 12 December, 2014
AEA strongly condemns strike of Belgian ATC next Monday. Passengers and cargo will be hijacked for a non aviation related social agenda.