Brussels Airlines Fires Flight Attendants Over Bed Bug Dispute

A dispute over alleged bed bugs aboard a Brussels Airlines aircraft has sparked controversy after three veteran flight attendants were fired for refusing to operate a flight they believed was infested. The airline maintains the dismissals were justified, but unions are calling the decision “a dangerous precedent” for crew safety and working conditions.

The incident occurred on October 16 when cleaning staff reported possible signs of bed bugs aboard an Airbus A330-300 scheduled to fly from Brussels, Belgium, to Accra, Ghana. The report prompted an internal investigation, but after thorough inspection, Brussels Airlines determined the aircraft was free of infestation. “After thorough inspection, it was confirmed as a false alarm, and the aircraft was accepted by the captain to re-enter service,” said airline spokesperson Nico Cardone.

Despite the all-clear, three of the five flight attendants assigned to the route refused to work the flight, citing the European “unfit to fly” rule, which allows crew to decline duty if they believe they are physically or psychologically unable to perform their roles safely. The airline, however, viewed the refusal as an act of insubordination. According to Cardone, the employees were dismissed for “gross misconduct” and “flagrantly breaching procedures,” which allegedly caused “financial and operational harm” to the company.

The dismissed attendants — with 20, 27, and 30 years of service, respectively — were shocked by the decision, expecting only a formal warning. One reportedly fainted during the dismissal meeting. Their unions condemned the airline’s action, saying it could endanger future flight safety. “Crew who feel unsafe or unfit may now be pressured to fly regardless of their condition, which jeopardizes passenger safety,” said Jeroen Van Ranst of the ACV Puls union.

Union negotiations with the airline have so far failed to reach a resolution. While a protest has been discussed, no strike action has been confirmed. “We’re tired of being harassed and threatened,” one Brussels Airlines flight attendant told Aviation24.be, describing what they call a “toxic” workplace marked by rising management pressure, frequent flight cancellations, and an aging fleet.

The airline’s firm stance contrasts with growing public concern over bed bug infestations in travel environments. Experts note that bed bugs, though not dangerous, can easily spread on aircraft through passengers’ luggage and clothing. “Bedbugs often hitchhike on luggage and personal items,” explained entomologist Brittany Hottel of Orkin. “They are incredibly skilled at traveling unnoticed between locations, including airplanes.”

While Brussels Airlines insists its inspection procedures are rigorous and its decision justified, the controversy has reignited debate about crew welfare and corporate accountability. Industry observers warn that penalizing employees for invoking “unfit to fly” rights could have broader implications for European aviation safety standards.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com, Aviation24.be