In travel news for July 14, 2023 we talk about the strikes that will affect Air Travel in Belgium this weekend.
Travel plans of numerous tourists are expected to hit a snag this weekend, as pilots in Belgium announced a walkout over pay and working conditions. The Strike has compelled Ryanair to cancel 44 flights departing from Brussels South Charleroi Airport, situated 45 minutes south of the capital city, this coming Saturday.
The Strike has been called by two trade unions together with the pilots' union. The decision was made in protest over wages and working conditions, and an estimated 80 percent of pilots could participate in the action. As a result, around 140 flights on July 15 and 16 may be affected.
The reason for this walkout is reportedly due to Ryanair's indication of canceling an agreement on work hours and rest. Furthermore, pilots agreed to a 20 percent salary reduction at the onset of the pandemic, which is still in place. Ryanair was given until July 14 to put forth a solid Proposal to resolve these matters, but no progress has been made, making the two-day Strike inevitable.
On the affected flight front, Charleroi Airport has confirmed 44 cancelled flights on July 15. These flights include trips to and from various international destinations such as Morocco, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Italy, France, Portugal, Bosnia, and Croatia.
The unrest might continue until the pandemic agreement comes to an end in October. Meanwhile, flights operating with crews stationed outside Belgium will continue as scheduled. Ryanair has assured that 60 percent of its flights to and from Belgium will operate normally.
Adding to the woes of summer travelers, another Strike might be in the pipeline, potentially from one of Europe’s air traffic control centers. The precise dates are yet to be confirmed, but the strike could materialize with just five days notice, further disrupting the summer travel landscape.
