No Landing Fees On Fridays In May

To compensate for flight delays and cancellations that occurred April 13 because of striking airport firefighters and security staff, Brussels Airport will let airlines land and take off for free every Friday in May.

This courtesy will cost the airport in the neighborhood of $680,000 in lost income.
Wilfried Van Assche, the airport's chief executive, told media outlet De Standaard Friday it is no admission of guilt in the strike.

"This is a purely commercial gesture unrelated to any damage claims we will get from airlines," he said.

He also said the airport's image had been "badly dented" by the strike and he was eager to improve that image so was considering giving affected passengers a voucher worth $13.60 to be spent in airport shops and restaurants, according to the Associated Press.

Picket lines went up on April 13 when firefighters and security personnel went on a wildcat strike. The action cancelled all flights, stranded thousands of passengers on the Easter holiday and temporarily closed the airport.

The striking union accused the airport of poor treatment of employees and demanded better overtime pay. An agreement was reached about 10 hours later.

FMI: www.brusselsairport.be/en/