Airline warns of cancelled flights in May amid national strike - that could affect routes from Birmingham Airport
An airline that serves Birmingham Airport is warning of cancelled flights in May due to a national strike.
Brussels Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will cut back its operations by 60% on 12 May, according to media reports.
The reduction could impact passengers at Birmingham Airport as the airline serves a direct route from Birmingham to Brussels.
Specific flight cancellations remain unconfirmed at this stage.
The cancelled flights come after Brussels Airport issued an advance warning of anticipated disruption on the same date due to nationwide strike action.
Security staff and various service providers are set to walk out.
Carriers have been asked to limit departing passenger flights that day to ensure safety standards are maintained and to avoid lengthy queues.
According to news outlet 7sur7, trade unions FGTB, CSC, and CGSLB are coordinating another significant demonstration in Brussels city centre.
During the last national walkout, Brussels Airport saw no passenger departures whatsoever.
With around 1.3 million British visitors travelling to Belgium each year, potentially hundreds or even thousands of UK passengers could face disruption on 12 May alone.
A Brussels Airlines spokesperson said: "Further cancellations cannot be ruled out. Passengers whose flights are cancelled can either rebook or request a refund.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely; further cancellations cannot be ruled out.
“Brussels Airlines is not involved in the labour dispute between the unions and the Belgian federal Government.
“Yet, the consequences always fall on our passengers, our colleagues, and our company. In the current geopolitical context (particularly with high fuel prices, editor's note), such actions are irresponsible.”
Brussels Airport said in a statement: "In collaboration with all relevant partners, Brussels Airport is working to ensure that as many flights as possible can depart that day”.
However, the airport expects only limited disruption to arriving flights.
Passengers scheduled to land at Brussels Airport on that date are advised to verify their flight's current status directly with their airline.