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Brussels Airlines cancels almost 700 flights in July and August

16:05 04/07/2022

Brussels Airlines is cancelling 675 flights over the summer to help relieve the workload on staff, the company said on Monday.

The decision follows an initial plan to cut 148 flights from the summer timetable, announced in June. This new move would be a short-term measure in response to trade unions denouncing the excessive workload placed on pilots and cabin crew.

They carried out a three-day strike from 23 to 25 June, which resulted in the cancellation of around 315 flights affecting some 40,000 people.

After threatening further action last week, unions met with Brussels Airlines chief executive Peter Gerber on Monday to discuss the summer schedule.

"Today, we clearly meet the demand of the unions. We hope to definitively rule out any further action and give a real guarantee to our passengers", announced management after the meeting.

It would be "commercially impractical" for it to make further cuts from the company’s flight schedule, added the airline.

The cancelled flights in July and August represent approximately 6% of Brussels Airlines' schedule and a shortfall of €10 million. The three-day strike was estimated to have resulted in a similar loss.

All travellers affected  by the cancellations have been informed and an alternative has been offered to them.

Management and unions are due to meet again on 23 August. Working groups will be set up to constructively develop a balanced flight plan, said management.

Written by Sarah Crew