Coronavirus (COVID-19): Strong decline in demand for air travel in Europe urges Brussels Airlines to review its flight offer and to investigate economic measures

  • Flight reductions to and from Northern Italy
  • Other economic measures are being investigated

Because of the rapidly declining demand in air travel within Europe, Brussels Airlines has taken the decision to reduce flight frequencies on a number of routes in order to limit the negative economic impact on its business. The Belgian airline notices an overall negative booking trend on nearly all European markets but Northern Italy is the most impacted.
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​As a result, Brussels Airlines will reduce by 30% the frequency of its flights to Northern Italy for the coming two weeks. It concerns flight to Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa, Rome, Venice and Bologna between 2 and 14 March.

Passengers whose flight is canceled are being contacted and rebooked on other available flights or they can choose to get a full refund, if they do not wish to travel anymore.
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​Next to adapting its flight schedule to the declining demand, the Belgian airline is looking into economic measures, such as temporary technical unemployment, and has decided to extend its hiring freeze to the whole company.

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About Brussels Airlines

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is Belgium's home carrier and one of the network airlines of the Lufthansa Group. From its hub at Brussels Airport, the airline connects Belgium and Europe with more than 90 destinations worldwide, including 18 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Belgian airline employs more than 3,500 people and operates a fleet of 46 aircraft.

Brussels Airlines is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and works together with Lufthansa Group on a range of initiatives. The airline participates in the Stargate project led by Brussels Airport, signed the Circular Economy agreement of Antwerp Management School, and was the first airline to - early 2023 - transport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the CEPS pipeline to Brussels Airport. Between November 2023 and June 2026, Brussels Airlines has welcomed eight brand-new Airbus A320neo aircraft, significantly reducing fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and noise levels across its European network.

As an ambassador for its country, Brussels Airlines brings the world to Belgium and the best of Belgium to the world. The airline showcases Belgian culture through collaborations with Belgian Star Chefs, the promotion of Belgian products on board, and its Belgian Icons aircraft, which celebrate unique elements of Belgium's culture and heritage.

More information on brusselsairlines.com 


About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers almost 18,000 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in more than 190 countries.

Star Alliance Press Office: +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com
More information on staralliance.com

Contact

b.house Kompaslaan 26 1831 Diegem

+32 2 723 89 90

press@brusselsairlines.com

www.brusselsairlines.com