A NOTAM published earlier this week announces new air traffic restrictions at Brussels South Charleroi (EBCI), after those already in force between 30 December and 4 January: general aviation traffic will again be prohibited during this weekend (6-7 January 2018).
A0028/18 NOTAMN Q) EBBU/QATLT/IV/NBO/AE/000/055/5028N00427E005 A) EBCI B) 1801060530 C) 1801072200 D) DAILY 0530-2200 E) CHARLEROI CTR AND CHARLEROI TMA LTD: VFR AND IFR PROHIBITED EXC TO COMMERCIAL FLT, BUSINESS AVIATION FLT OPERATED BY JET OR TURBO-PROPELLER ACFT, SAR FLT, FEDERAL POLICE FLT AND EMERG
This prompted the SLFP trade union to issue a press release to complain about the lack of staff. Controllers are working additional hours, up to 12 consecutive days, in order to avoid disruptions of air traffic. But despite a request to dispatch an extra team from CANAC to Charleroi, the second-largest Belgian airport, nothing has been done to compensate the departure of 4 controllers from a team which is already understaffed.
SLFP apologises for the inconvenience to airport users despite the efforts of the controllers and is asking for new working rules more respectful and less hazardous to the health of the ATC workers.
