Brussels Airport expects “major impact” from security action on October 1: Brussels Airlines cancels most flights (Zaventem)

Earlier in the day, airport operator Brussels Airport had already warned of a “major impact” due to the security staff’s actions.

“As a result, the capacity of the security checkpoint at Brussels Airport will be significantly reduced. The airport has asked airlines to reduce their flight schedules. Brussels Airlines has therefore taken the difficult decision to cancel the majority of flights on 1 October,” Brussels Airlines now states in a press release.

Alternative

Normally, 21,000 customers of the airline would fly that day. Brussels Airlines will inform the affected passengers directly as soon as possible. The company will offer them an alternative and says it will do everything it can to get the travelers to their destination as soon as possible. That could be a day earlier or later, it says, or – for transfer passengers – with a transfer in another hub of Lufthansa Group, the German airline group of which Brussels Airlines is a part.

Passengers whose contact details Brussels Airlines has will be offered an alternative via e-mail. They can accept this with one click. Passengers are advised to check their contact details via the website, under ‘my booking’. Help is also available via the chat assistant on the website or via the travel agent. Additional colleagues have been called in for customer service, but longer waiting times cannot be ruled out.

It was already known last week that the action and accompanying demonstration in Brussels could cause disruption in various places, including the various airports.

“As a result of the national demonstration on Tuesday 1 October and the announced strike by a large number of employees of the external service provider for security, Brussels Airport expects a major impact on airport activities on that day,” Brussels Airport reported Friday morning. “In order to avoid long waiting times at security checkpoints, airlines have decided, in consultation with Brussels Airport, to cancel or change a large number of flights departing on 1 October,” it said.

Planning

The airport continues to monitor the situation and consults with the airlines where adjustments are needed in the planning of departing flights. In the meantime, these airlines will contact the passengers concerned directly. “We regret the inconvenience that passengers experience due to this demonstration,” concludes Brussels Airport. There will be no disruption to cargo operations on 1 October due to the action.