Widespread criticism of protest by air-traffic controllers

Belgian air traffic controllers (ATC) have received widespread criticism for a protest action this week that has led to hundreds of flight cancellations to and from airports across the country. The action comes just days after the airline industry was getting back to normal following the 22 March bombings at Brussels Airport.

Controllers started calling in sick on Tuesday in large numbers, leaving the rest unable to cope with the traffic. The action was not announced ahead of time, and no official union statements have been made.

The protest is not supported by the Belgian Guild of Air Traffic Controllers (BGATC). “The guild has not called on anyone to call in sick or stay away from work or anything of the kind,” a spokesperson said.

The action follows a protest carried out earlier in the year when ATC staff refused to take part in training sessions covering the introduction of new flight routes. As a result, the routes could not be introduced. Unions have since approved an agreement with management over a number of issues, including minimum retirement age.

The action was immediately condemned by the Association of European Airlines (AEA) and the International Air Transport Association. “This is unbelievable,” said an AEA spokesperson. “An airport that is slowly recovering from terrorist attacks is now being hijacked by air traffic controllers.”

Prime minister Charles Michel called the action “irresponsible” and said that he would “not accept it. This is doing major damage to our country and our image.” And he promised to take legal action against any doctor who issued a false medical certificate for ATC staff.

“This means more economic damage for the airport itself, but also for the whole tourism sector,” added Peter De Wilde, administrator-general of Toerisme Vlaanderen. “Brussels Airport is a crucial entry points for tourists. Let’s not even think of the damage there will be to the reputation of our country if this dispute carries on.”

According to the latest news from Brussels Airport, flights are operating this morning according to schedule, but capacity restrictions are possible later in the day.