Brussels Airlines Staff Can Refuse Flights to Tel Aviv Amid Strike Threats

Brussels Airlines has reached an agreement with its pilots and flight attendants allowing them to refuse flights to Tel Aviv without facing disciplinary action, utilizing a "unfit to fly" protocol. This resolution comes after threats of a strike and protests from employee unions concerned about the safety of operating flights to Israel.

The agreement follows a consultation meeting between the airline's management and employee representatives. Tensions escalated last week when the ACV Puls union issued a strike notice, criticizing the management's decision to resume flights to Tel Aviv in early August, which were initially based on volunteers. The union questioned the assessment that the security situation in Israel is safe enough for regular flights, noting that Belgian authorities still advise against non-essential travel to the country.

While Brussels Airlines continues to schedule flights to Tel Aviv as part of its regular timetable, the management clarified its existing protocol. Nico Cardon, a spokesperson for Brussels Airlines, stated that standard aviation industry procedures allow crew members to cancel flights if they do not feel psychologically ready, a process known as being "unfit to fly." He emphasized that employees can use this procedure as they always have, without fear of repercussions.

The union expressed satisfaction with the clarification, with Jolinde Defieuw of ACV Puls stating that the assurances are important for the staff and that they are pleased the airline considers the physical and mental well-being of its employees. However, the union maintains a critical stance on the continuation of commercial flights to Israel under the current circumstances, urging the Belgian government to take more responsibility and calling for a complete halt to the route.