For the first time in several months a flight bound for the Israeli city of Tel Aviv took off from Brussels Airport at Zaventem (Flemish Brabant) on Wednesday morning. Although the Brussels Airlines flight took off on time, the Christian trade union ACV Puls/CSC CNE says that baggage handling for the flight was disrupted due to a boycott by airport staff.
Passengers’ luggage was eventually processed, possibly by the management of the handling firm Alyzia. However, who ensured that the luggage made it onto the plane has not been confirmed.
Flights to Israel have resumed despite the conflict in Gaza. Brussels Airlines and its parent company Lufthansa deems it safe to fly to Tel Aviv. Measures including daylight-only flights and crews returning on the same day have been taken to ensure the safety of staff.
The Christian trade union ACV Puls/CSC CNE is critical of the decision to resume flights. The unions say that it is in violation of legislation on sending staff to conflict zones. It has called on staff at Zaventem to refuse to handle baggage destined for flights bound for Israel.
Wednesday’s flight to Tel Aviv was fully booked and demand for seats on future flights is high. Meanwhile, Brussels Airlines said it expects no further disruption.