Brussels Airlines Allows Crew to Refuse Flights to Israel Without Penalty
Brussels Airlines and trade unions reached an agreement allowing pilots and cabin crew to refuse flights to Tel Aviv due to security concerns without facing disciplinary action or professional consequences.
The management of Brussels Airlines and labor unions have reached an agreement following employee protests over the integration of crews into flights to Israel. Under the agreed framework, pilots and flight attendants can continue to exercise their right to refuse to fly on the route to and from Tel Aviv without fear of disciplinary action or professional repercussions.
Dispute Over Regular Scheduling
The development follows a consultation meeting between company management and employee representatives. Tensions escalated after the Christian-Flemish union ACV Puls filed a strike notice. The union opposed management's decision to transition the Tel Aviv route, which resumed in early August, from a volunteer-only basis to full integration into the regular flight schedule. Employee representatives challenged 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.
The Unfit to Fly Protocol
Although Brussels Airlines continues to schedule flights to Tel Aviv as part of its regular timetable, management clarified the standard protocol allowing crew members to avoid a flight for mental or physical reasons. Nico Cardone, spokesperson for Brussels Airlines, explained:
"We took the necessary time to listen and respond to all concerns regarding the safety of our flights to Tel Aviv. There are procedures in the aviation industry that allow crew members to withdraw from a flight if they do not feel psychologically fit, a process known as unfit to fly. We emphasized that our colleagues can use this procedure as they always have, without fear of consequences."
Union Welcomes Clarifications, Criticizes Authorities
The ACV Puls union welcomed the clarifications. Jolinde Defieuw of ACV Puls stated:
"These guarantees are important for the crew. As a trade union, we want everyone to be able to do their job under safe and responsible conditions. We are glad that Brussels Airlines is taking into account the physical and mental safety of its employees."
However, the union remains highly critical of operating commercial flights to Israel at this time and pointed the finger at the Belgian government, arguing that under current circumstances, regular commercial flights to Tel Aviv should not take place.
