Brussels Airlines scales back seasonal cabin crew returns amid volatile market conditions

Brussels Airlines has confirmed that it will not recall all seasonal cabin crew members for the upcoming summer season, citing rapidly changing market conditions and operational uncertainty.

The airline was responding to questions from Aviation24.be following testimonies from individuals identifying themselves as former or current cabin crew. They claimed that some seasonal employees—known internally as “winterstoppers”—had initially been informed their contracts would resume from 1 May, only to be told shortly afterwards that these plans had been cancelled.

According to a testimony from a cabin crew member affected by the situation, a group of around 40 employees had been informed their temporary contracts would restart on 1 May.

“We were asked to prepare for our return, including collecting company material and digitally signing our contracts,” the employee said. “Shortly afterwards, we were told that the restart would not go ahead due to economic circumstances.”

The same source added that some employees had already declined other job opportunities in anticipation of returning to work.

More than half of winterstoppers to return

According to the airline, around 200 cabin crew members entered a winter break arrangement during the low season. Of those, “more than half” will be reactivated for the summer schedule, while others will not be called back.

Brussels Airlines acknowledges that the situation evolved quickly: “Between the moment we started assessing availability and the point where contracts could be offered—and even afterwards—the situation changed significantly,” the airline said, referring in part to developments in the Middle East.

The airline did not explicitly confirm that signed contracts were withdrawn, but indicated that planning assumptions shifted in a short timeframe.

Flexible staffing model under scrutiny

The airline emphasized that aviation remains highly seasonal, requiring a flexible workforce model. This includes both winterstoppers and student cabin crew.

According to Brussels Airlines, student crew members are used differently: “Students can be deployed very flexibly, for example with day contracts, to absorb short and unpredictable peaks. That is different from bringing people back for a full season.”

This distinction comes amid criticism from affected crew members, who question why student workers may continue flying while experienced full-time staff are not reinstated.

The airline maintains that it aims to avoid placing staff in a position where insufficient flying hours would be available after rehiring.

Impact of geopolitical tensions and fuel costs

On the operational side, Brussels Airlines says it is not currently facing physical shortages of jet fuel, despite ongoing tensions linked to the situation around Iran.

However, the broader market environment remains volatile:

• Fuel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks
• The Lufthansa Group, parent company of Brussels Airlines, has hedged around 80% of its fuel needs for the year
• The remaining exposure is leading to increased operational costs

To mitigate this, the group has adjusted its so-called “international surcharge,” a pricing component designed to reflect higher fuel costs and operational complexity, including rerouting.

Brussels Airlines notes that such cost increases are, at least partially, passed on to passengers, raising the likelihood of higher ticket prices if volatility persists.

Ongoing uncertainty

The airline concludes that crew planning remains a continuous balancing exercise, subject to operational realities and external factors.

While acknowledging the impact on those not recalled, Brussels Airlines states it aims to manage staffing “with respect for all colleagues,” both permanent and temporary.