Brussels Airlines Pilots Can Refuse Israel Flights Amid Security Concerns

A potential strike at Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, has been averted following an agreement between the company's management and its employee union regarding flights to Israel. The dispute arose when the airline stopped relying on volunteers for flights to Tel Aviv and resumed normal crew scheduling. Following negotiations, the company announced that pilots and cabin crew can still refuse to operate flights to Tel Aviv if they do not feel psychologically fit or fear for their safety.

Despite this concession, the airline continues to schedule flights to Israel as part of its regular operations, which resumed last month. The conflict began earlier this month when the ACV Puls union issued a strike notice protesting the company's decision to revert to standard crew assignments for Tel Aviv flights. Initially, flights were operated by volunteers during the first weeks after service resumed.

The union argued that employees remain concerned about the security situation and the physical and psychological risks associated with operating the route. They also pointed to the Belgian Foreign Ministry's travel advisory, which recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Israel, suggesting Tel Aviv should not be treated as a routine destination.

While the company emphasized that employee safety is its top priority and that the return to regular scheduling followed the successful resumption of operations, it clarified during recent talks with the union that existing work mechanisms allow employees to decline assignments to Israel. Currently, Brussels Airlines flights to Ben Gurion Airport are operating, with no indication of a strike disrupting the route.

The dispute highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding foreign airlines' operations in Israel, with personnel and security considerations continuing to influence flight operations to Tel Aviv.