Ryanair strike: flights from Belgium cancelled this weekend

Airline Ryanair is canceling several flights from the Belgian airports of Zaventem and Charleroi next weekend. The reason is the announced strike action by airline staff, the Irish company said in a press release.

Ryanair cabin crew announced last week that they will lay off work on Friday, April 22, Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24. The unions complain that Ryanair, which employs about 650 people in Belgium, "refuses to invest in a personnel policy." 

According to Hans Elsen of the Christian trade union ACV, all flights served by Belgian personnel will be cancelled. "Respect, correct pay and a personnel service worthy of the name, that is what Ryanair's cabin crew is striking for. And with success," he wrote on Twitter, as all flights are cancelled.

"Despite Ryanair's continued attempts to negotiate with our Belgian unions, they have decided to proceed with unilateral strike action at Charleroi and Zaventem airports. The unions claim they want to teach Ryanair a lesson, but unfortunately it is our customers who are affected," the management said. 

All affected customers will be notified by email and given information about their options, such as a flight change or a refund. Ryanair makes the case that half of the flights will be able to continue as normal, though.

(HC)

© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR