# Brussels Airlines labor dispute over Tel Aviv flights

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brussels-airlines-labor-dispute-over-tel-aviv-flights
> Updated: 2026-09-04T07:43:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Brussels Airlines faced industrial action threats from the Belgian trade union ACV Puls after the airline transitioned its Tel Aviv route from a volunteer-only system to mandatory crew scheduling. The union issued a strike notice, arguing that forcing staff to fly to a “war zone” violated prior agreements and ignored Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advice against non-essential travel to Israel.

Following these threats, the airline reached an agreement with pilots and cabin crew. Under the new terms, employees can refuse flights to or from Tel Aviv by utilizing a ‘not fit to fly’ procedure intended for mental or physical incapacity. The airline committed that staff using this procedure will not face sanctions or retaliation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Brussels Airlines allows crew to refuse Tel Aviv flights

Brussels Airlines has agreed that crew members can refuse flights to Tel Aviv using a ‘not fit to fly’ procedure without facing sanctions, following strike threats from unions over safety concerns.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brussels-airlines-allows-crew-to-refuse-tel-aviv-flights

### 2026-09-01: Brussels Airlines crew threatens strike over mandatory Tel Aviv flights

Brussels Airlines staff, represented by the ACV Puls union, have threatened strikes over the decision to make Tel Aviv flights mandatory rather than voluntary, citing safety and ethical concerns.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brussels-airlines-faces-strike-notice-over-mandatory-tel-aviv-flights

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Cite as: Brussels Airlines labor dispute over Tel Aviv flights. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brussels-airlines-labor-dispute-over-tel-aviv-flights