Brussels Airlines cancels flights to and from Budapest

The Belgian national airline, Brussels Airlines will start a three-day strike on Thursday, 23 June, which affects flights to and from Budapest. 

Brussels Airlines informs all passengers in their report that flights will be cancelled on 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th of June. ​”We sincerely regret the impact of these social actions on our customers, at the start of the summer holidays. On these three days, 533 flights (charters included) were originally scheduled for almost 70,000 passengers,” writes brusselsairlines.com.

40,000 passengers are affected

Maaike Andries, Spokesperson for Brussels Airlines says they plan to keep around 40% of the original flight programme. The cancellations represent around 315 flights, 38 of which are long-hauls, and impact almost 40,000 passengers. According to 24.hu, the airline is working to get passengers on flights to and from their destination. For example, the airline might rebook them on other flights, within Lufthansa Group and outside. In addition, those who end up not wanting to travel will be offered a refund of the ticket price.

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Reasons for the strike

Heavy workloads and worsening work conditions led to the three-day strike, reports brusselstimes.com. Pilots, flight attendants and groundhandling hostesses are not only protesting against staff shortages. They also have to deal with a higher number of passengers during holiday season and the lifting of pandemic restrictions. With the strike, workers want to achieve lower work pressure.

First priority are passengers

“Our first priority right now is our passengers. We sincerely regret the impact these actions have on our customers,” the airline said just after workers announced the strike. In their report, they also asked passengers for their patience. However, as the airline had to face serious challenges over the past years, it might not be easy to get back on track. Firstly, tavelling was nearly impossible because of the pandemic. Although now the situation is better, there have been significant losses. Secondly, the airline is battling increased costs, mainly but not only due to the fuel price. A three-day strike will have a very large impact on the company’s bottom line.

Brusselsairlines.com will keep its readers and the passengers informed, make sure to return to their website for further information.

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Source: brusselsairlines.com, 24.hu, brusselstimes.com