Brussels Airlines’ Pilots Plan Strike, US Carrier Waiving Change Fees

Travelers planning to fly with Brussels Airlines on May 14 and 16 should be prepared for delays and cancellations as pilots plan to strike due to a dispute over pay and conditions.

The official Twitter account of Brussels Airlines revealed Wednesday the pilot union voted to go on strike, forcing the carrier to cancel part of its flight schedule next week. The company is offering impacted customers free rebooking to a later date or a full refund of the ticket price.

The airline’s official website provided a list of impacted flights. Customers who purchased their tickets through Brussels must get their refund from the carrier, and passengers who used a travel agent must contact their representative for a refund.

In addition, United Airlines has started waiving change fees for flights to Brussels impacted by the strike. Anyone traveling to or from Brussels Airport next week should contact their carrier to ensure their flights are still on time.

The pilots’ union representing Brussels Airlines said employees are looking for a pay increase, a better work-life balance, improved career prospects and the possibility of earlier retirement, according to Reuters.

The pilots voted 80 percent in favor of the strike, raising concerns about the relationship between Brussels Airlines and its parent company Lufthansa, which took control of the Belgian national flag carrier in 2016.