Brussels, Belgium — Three long-serving Brussels Airlines flight attendants were fired after they refused to board a flight due to concerns over a possible bed bug infestation, sparking outrage among unions and fellow employees. The airline later confirmed that no infestation was found, calling the incident a “false alarm.”
The controversy began on October 16, when cleaning staff reportedly noticed possible signs of bed bugs aboard an Airbus A330-300 scheduled to fly from Brussels to Accra, Ghana.
Airline Confirms ‘False Alarm’ After Inspection
Brussels Airlines conducted an internal investigation and cleared the aircraft for service after failing to find any evidence of infestation.
“After thorough inspection, it was confirmed as a false alarm, and the aircraft was accepted by the captain of the flight to re-enter service,” said Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone in a statement to The New York Post.
Cardone added that cleaning staff are trained to identify and report such issues promptly, but emphasized that no bed bugs were detected during the inspection.
Despite the clearance, three of the five flight attendants who had raised concerns invoked their “unfit to fly” right, a European aviation policy that allows crew members to withdraw from duty if they feel physically or psychologically unable to perform their job.
Airline Cites “Gross Misconduct” in Dismissals
The airline’s management, however, did not accept the crew’s decision to stand down. All three attendants — who had served 20, 27, and 30 years respectively — were terminated for “gross misconduct.”
“They flagrantly breached procedures and caused operational and financial harm to the carrier,” Cardone said, confirming the dismissals.
Sources reported that the attendants expected only a minor disciplinary measure but were instead shocked to receive immediate termination notices. One of the dismissed crew members reportedly fainted upon hearing the news.
Union Outrage and Growing Employee Frustration
The decision has sparked condemnation from union representatives, who claim the move sets a dangerous precedent for aviation safety and employee rights.
“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 Dutch-speaking union ACV Puls.
Talks between the airline and unions have so far failed to produce a resolution, prompting some workers to consider protest action or strikes.
Cardone stated that management was “unaware of any concrete strike actions” being planned, though many employees are calling for the reinstatement of the dismissed staff and for management to take steps to rebuild trust.
“We’re tired of being harassed and threatened,” said one flight attendant, speaking to Aviation24.be. “The company has become toxic.”
Broader Context: A Struggle With Working Conditions
This dispute comes amid reports of rising tensions within Brussels Airlines, where workers have cited increasing pressure, aging long-haul aircraft, and frequent cancellations. Employees say the latest incident highlights the airline’s growing disconnect with its front-line staff.
Experts note that bed bugs are a recurring issue in air travel, often traveling unnoticed between destinations.
“Bedbugs often hitchhike on luggage and personal items,” explained Dr. Hottel, an Orkin entomologist. “They are incredibly skilled at traveling on clothing, purses, and gym bags, which makes them a challenge for travelers and airlines alike.”
As unions continue to press for accountability, both sides remain at odds over whether the terminations were justified or an overreaction to crew members prioritizing safety.
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