Belgian Union Threatens Strike Over Brussels Airlines’ Tel Aviv Flights
A Belgian trade union, ACV Puls, has filed a strike notice over Brussels Airlines’ decision to resume flights to Tel Aviv with mandatory staff assignments, citing concerns about employee safety and ethical implications.
The union said the strike notice took effect on Tuesday, September 1, and warned that industrial action could follow if the airline fails to reverse its decision.
According to ACV Puls, any potential disruption would be limited to flights between Brussels and Tel Aviv.
The union said employees had previously been assigned to the route on a voluntary basis following an agreement between Brussels Airlines and its unions. However, it claimed the airline now plans to assign staff to the flights because there are insufficient volunteers.
“Serious concerns exist among the staff regarding both physical safety and the mental and ethical impact of these flights,” the union said in a statement.
ACV Puls argued that workers with genuine safety or conscientious objections should be allowed to decline assignments to Tel Aviv without facing financial penalties, career consequences or disciplinary action.
The union also questioned Brussels Airlines’ assessment that conditions in Tel Aviv are sufficiently safe for commercial flights to resume.
It said the Belgian Foreign Ministry’s advice against non-essential travel to the area was inconsistent with treating Tel Aviv as a normal work destination for airline employees.
“If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel, Brussels Airlines cannot pretend that Tel Aviv is a normal work destination,” the union said.
ACV Puls further called on the Belgian government to clarify its position on commercial aviation to conflict zones and provide clearer protection for airline personnel operating such routes.
The union said the continuation of commercial flights to Israel raised concerns in light of the ongoing war, civilian casualties and allegations of war crimes and human rights violations against Palestinians.
Brussels Airlines, however, defended its decision, stressing that the safety of its employees and passengers remains its highest priority.
The airline said it was closely monitoring developments on the ground in coordination with other Lufthansa Group airlines and would adjust its procedures if necessary.
The dispute comes amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East, with aviation operators facing growing pressure to balance operational needs with security concerns and the safety of employees travelling to conflict-affected areas.
