Belgian pilots threaten strike action over pension reform – Brussels Airlines criticises strike threat

Belgian pilot unions have filed a formal strike notice in response to what they describe as an “unjust situation” created by conflicting pension and aviation regulations.

In a joint front, the unions ACV/CSC, ABVV/FGTB and ACLVB/CGLSB announced industrial action covering the Belgian aviation sector as of today (Monday). The move is aimed at addressing the discrepancy between national pension rules and European aviation safety regulations.

Under current Belgian law, pilots are required to work until the age of 66, and even 67 in a few years. However, European regulations prohibit pilots from operating commercial flights beyond the age of 65 due to safety concerns.

“This combination is simply absurd,” the unions said in a joint statement. “Pilots are required to keep working, while at the same time, they must stop performing their core duties at 65. The legislation is clearly outdated.”

According to the unions, the situation is becoming increasingly untenable. They warn that without swift and clear intervention, tensions within the sector could escalate further.

Belgian Minister of Pensions Jan Jambon previously stated that only a limited number of pilots would be affected, arguing that most meet the 42-year career requirement and can retire earlier. For those who must continue working after 65, alternative roles—such as instructing—could be considered.

However, unions reject this reasoning, stating that it shifts responsibility away from policymakers and fails to reflect the reality on the ground. They also pointed to a recent case in which a pilot was dismissed on his 65th birthday due to “force majeure.”

Calling the current framework “fundamentally unsustainable,” the unions say the strike notice is intended to pressure authorities into delivering structural and fair solutions. While they emphasise that strike action is not taken lightly, they insist it is necessary to give policymakers—particularly the pensions minister—one final opportunity to resolve the issue.

Brussels Airlines criticises strike threat over pilot pension dispute

Brussels Airlines has pushed back against a planned strike in Belgium’s aviation sector, calling the action “irresponsible” amid ongoing tensions over pilot retirement rules.

Brussels Airlines said it understands the concerns raised by pilots and confirmed it is continuing discussions with the federal government and affected employees. However, it argued that industrial action is not the appropriate solution, particularly given the sector’s limited ability to resolve regulatory conflicts on its own.

The airline also pointed to recent disruptions, noting that the aviation sector has already been affected by strikes in 2025 and earlier this year. Against a backdrop of broader geopolitical uncertainty impacting air travel, further disruption would place additional strain on passengers and operations.

Brussels Airlines is urging all parties to pursue a resolution through dialogue, warning that further industrial action risks harming travellers, employees and the wider aviation industry without addressing the underlying issue.