UAE flights to Brussels re-routed, cancelled

As the regional industrial strike affects travel across Brussels, UAE-based carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have cancelled flights to the Belgium capital today, with another cancellation looming in the horizon.

In a statement to Emirates 24|7, the Dubai-based Emirates said it has cancelled its scheduled flights for December 8, with another cancellation likely to be scheduled for December 15.

A spokesperson for the airline added: “Due to the confirmed general industrial action in Brussels on December 8, the following Emirates flights have been cancelled: EK183/184 DXB-BRU-DXB.

“All Emirates passengers booked on these flights have been advised of the situation and alternative arrangements have been made to facilitate their travel from another location or on an alternative date.

“The Emirates daily flights from Brussels will resume on Tuesday, December 9.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways stated: “The planned nationwide strikes in Belgium on Monday, December 8, and Monday, December 15, will directly impact our flights in and out of Brussels Airport.

“In light of this, and to minimise passenger disruption, Etihad Airways has suspended flights to, from and via Brussels on Monday, December 8.”

The following options are being offered to passengers who have purchased tickets to travel to/from/via Brussels on December 8 and 15 and who now wish to change their flight plans: passengers may change to another date of travel on or before December 21, 2014 in the original class of booking; if the original booking class is not available, they will be offered the next available class while paying the fare difference.

Meanwhile, fees for passengers wishing to change their tickets are waived for this one instance only. Any subsequent changes will be subject to normal re-issue fees.

Indian carrier Jet Airways has also announced travel affected, with passengers being re-routed from Abu Dhabi.

In a statement, the airline said: “The planned industrial unrest in Belgium on Monday, December 8 will directly affect flight operations out of Brussels airport.

 “Jet Airways, like other airlines, is constrained to cancel the following flights:

9W230 from Delhi to Brussels and Brussels to Toronto of December 8; 9W228 from Mumbai to Brussels and Brussels to Newark of December 8; 9W227 Brussels to Mumbai on December 8; 9W229 Brussels to Delhi of December 8.

“The airline is implementing measures to minimise passenger disruption, with guests being protected and re-accommodated on flights through Paris and Abu Dhabi.”

In a statement of its own, Brussels Airport has confirmed on its site that air travel has been “heavily impacted by the regional strike in Vlaams-Brabant, Waals-Brabant and Brussels,” confirming 44 per cent of all departing and arriving flights is cancelled.

The access to Brucargo (cargo area) is closed, which is already announced on the highways.

Also, Brussels Airport cannot be reached by train or bus.

The airport has advised passengers are to look for alternatives and to leave for the airport well ahead of their departure time.

It further states: “Check your flight information online, leave for the airport well ahead of your departure time and contact your airline in case of trouble. Out of precaution and if possible: take hand luggage only if you’re travelling today.”

The national trade unions in Belgium have called for a general strike across various industries on December 8 and 15, protesting against the federal government’s austerity policies and changes to pensions and the social security system.

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