After a first provincial strike day on 8 December, Brussels Airlines prepares itself for a second, this time national, strike day on 15 December.
Also this time, the airline does its utmost to limit the inconveniences for its passengers and to get them to their destination as smoothly as possible.
Brussels Airlines does its utmost to operate its flight schedule, but must anticipate the impact the national actions of 15 December may have. On 1 December the airline already announced an adapted flight schedule for 8 and 15 December. Following the impact on 8 December, 52 additional flights have been cancelled for next Monday. This way the airline can offer its passengers travel alternatives well in advance. In total 84 flights have been cancelled for 15 December. That is 40% of Brussels Airlines’ total flight offer that day. No long haul flights have been cancelled.
The nuisance remained somewhat limited for passengers at the airport last Monday, because Brussels Airlines had adapted its flight schedule well in advance.
Economically, the strike has obviously caused extensive damage to the airline, estimated at 1.5 million euro. The financial impact of the strike of 15 December is expected to be even larger. For that day, Brussels Airlines originally had 21,400 passengers booked on its flights.
More information about the adapted flight schedule.
Passengers whose flight has been cancelled, are offered alternative flight times, or they have the option to request a refund of their ticket.
Since 21 November Brussels Airlines offers all passengers booked on flights on 15 December, the possibility to rebook their flight pro-actively, if they don’t wish to fly anymore on this day, regardless of whether their flight is cancelled. On 15 December, the airline will do its utmost to assist her passengers at the airport as much as possible. The airline strongly advises to travel with hand luggage only, if possible, since baggage handling activities might be impacted as well.
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.
Brussels Airlines press release (11 December 2014)
UPDATE: All flights on 15 December have been cancelled as a result of the all-day strike of the Air Traffic Controllers of Belgocontrol.
UPDATE : All Brussels Airlines flights have been cancelled on 15 December.