Belgian Union Threatens Brussels Airlines Strike Over Israel Flights

ACV Puls, Belgium's largest trade union, has threatened a strike against Brussels Airlines for compelling staff to work on flights to Israel.

The union stated that employees with safety or conscientious objections should be able to refuse these flights without repercussions. Brussels Airlines resumed flights to Tel Aviv on August 3, following a five-month pause due to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, with initial flights operated by volunteers. ACV Puls spokesperson Jolinde Defieuw said staff have serious concerns about the physical safety and the mental and ethical impact of these flights, calling mandatory staffing particularly serious in the context of the ongoing war and the genocide in Gaza.

The union cited Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which advises against all non-essential travel to Israel and Jerusalem, as a reason why flying to Israel cannot be deemed sufficiently safe. Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone stated that safety is the company's highest priority and that the airline is not a political party, making operational decisions based on safety and demand.

Cardone asked staff to uphold a professional standard and not engage in political discussions about destination governments. ACV Puls represents aviation employees including pilots, cabin crews, and ground staff.